Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake Layers:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp lemon extract (optional)
⅔ cup whole milk
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries, patted dry
A few drops pink or red food coloring (optional)
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp vanilla extract
4–5 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
Lemon slices
Fresh strawberries
Mint leaves
Candied lemon peel
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour four 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl as needed.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in lemon zest, vanilla, and lemon extract (if using).
Combine liquids: In a small bowl, stir lemon juice and milk (it may curdle slightly—this is normal).
Alternate dry & wet: Add the dry mixture and lemon-milk mixture to the batter in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Fold in strawberries: Gently stir in chopped strawberries. Add food coloring if desired for a pink tint. Avoid overmixing.
Bake: Divide batter evenly among pans. Smooth tops and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Gradually add powdered sugar (½ cup at a time) until the frosting is thick and spreadable. If too soft, chill for 15 minutes before using.
3. Assemble the Cake:
Level layers (if needed): Use a serrated knife to even out the tops of the cake layers.
Layer & frost: Place the first layer on a cake stand. Spread frosting evenly, then repeat with remaining layers.
Frost the outside: Cover the top and sides with frosting, smoothing or creating swirls as desired.
Garnish: Decorate with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or mint before serving.
