Description

This Classic Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake combines soft, fluffy lemon cake layers with a fresh homemade strawberry filling and smooth lemon buttercream. Bright citrus flavor meets sweet juicy strawberries in this beautiful celebration cake that tastes like sunshine in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for filling)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Cool fully.
Beat butter for frosting until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in lemon juice, zest, salt, and cream until smooth.
Place one cake layer on a plate, pipe a buttercream border, spread strawberry filling inside, top with second layer, and frost entire cake.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and bring to room temperature before serving. You can bake cake layers one day ahead and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: B
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg