Strawberry Lemon Cake
A delightful balance of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 340 g all-purpose flour (for structure and texture)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (to enhance tenderness)
- ¾ tsp baking powder (for leavening)
- ¾ tsp baking soda (for leavening)
- ¾ tsp salt (to balance sweetness)
- 300 g granulated sugar (for sweetness and moisture)
- 1 zest of one large organic lemon or two small (for flavor)
- 180 g butter, room temperature (for richness)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature (for binding)
- 240 g sour cream, room temperature (for moisture)
- 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil, for moisture)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for acidity)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for flavor)
For the Frosting
- 400 g butter, room temperature (for icing)
- 660 g powdered sugar (for sweetness and texture)
- 2 tbsp freeze dried strawberry powder (for flavor and color)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for flavor)
- 2-3 tbsp whole milk (room temperature, for consistency)
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- Lemon slices (for decoration)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature and grease and line your cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly.
Mixing and Baking
- Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the dry ingredient mixture in three batches using a rubber spatula.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting and Assembly
- Beat the room-temperature butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and strawberry powder.
- Add vanilla extract and milk to achieve desired frosting consistency.
- Once cooled, spread frosting between the layers and cover the entire cake.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.
Notes
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Use a scale for accurate measurements and avoid overmixing.