Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Strawberry Lemonade Cake is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. This cake features layers of fluffy vanilla sponge infused with lemon zest, topped with luscious strawberry compote and creamy lemon mascarpone frosting. It’s ideal for summer gatherings, birthday celebrations, or simply when you want to treat yourself. The refreshing taste makes it a standout dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberries and lemons creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile for Occasions: This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a lovely afternoon treat.
• Layered Delight: The multi-layered structure not only looks stunning but also allows for varied textures and tastes in every bite.
• Homemade Goodness: With ingredients like homemade strawberry compote and lemon mascarpone frosting, you can be sure it’s made with love.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your twist by incorporating other fruits or flavors!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Strawberry Lemonade Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 6-inch cake pans (3)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Offset spatula
• Parchment paper
• Turntable
• Double boiler

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and airy batter quickly, which is essential for the cake’s texture.
• Offset spatula: Perfect for smoothing out frosting and achieving that professional finish on your cake.
• Turntable: Makes decorating easier by allowing you to rotate the cake smoothly as you frost it.

Ingredients

A zesty cake with strawberry compote, lemon mascarpone frosting, and buttercream.

For the Cake

• 150 g unsalted butter, softened
• 280 g powdered sugar
• 3 medium eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 260 g all-purpose flour
• 10 g cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 210 ml buttermilk
• Juice of 1/2 lemon and zest

For the Fillings and Frosting

• Homemade strawberry compote
• Homemade Strawberry Swiss Buttercream
• Lemon Mascarpone Frosting (homemade)

For the Glaze

• 50 g white chocolate
• 50 g heavy cream
• 2 tsp lemon curd
• Yellow food coloring

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F). Line three 15 cm (6 inch) cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, mix together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Fine salt

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Softened butter
2. Powdered sugar
3. Lemon zest

Add eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture until smooth. Alternate adding buttermilk with lemon juice and dry ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool Down

Remove cakes from oven and let sit for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make Strawberry Compote

Prepare your homemade strawberry compote while waiting for cakes to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Buttercream & Frosting

Make your batch of Strawberry Swiss Buttercream as well as Lemon Mascarpone Chantilly according to their recipes.

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Trim any domes off cooled cakes if needed. Place one layer on a turntable, pipe a border of buttercream around it, fill with strawberry compote and lemon mascarpone chantilly. Repeat with remaining layers.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Apply a thin coat of strawberry buttercream over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Step 9: Final Frosting Layer

After chilling, apply a thicker layer of buttercream over the whole cake using icing tools to smooth it out.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

Melt white chocolate with heavy cream in a double boiler until smooth. Stir in lemon curd and yellow food coloring until well combined.

Step 11: Drizzle Glaze Over Cake

Allow glaze to cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled cake so that it drips down beautifully from the sides.

Step 12: Decorate & Serve

Decorate the top with additional strawberry buttercream piping and lemon slices. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Serving your Strawberry Lemonade Cake can be just as delightful as making it. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a fancy dinner party, presentation and pairing are key to enhancing its zesty flavors.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or mixed berries make a beautiful and tasty garnish that complements the cake’s fruity notes.

Accompany with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the lemon.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or lemon sorbet can elevate the dessert experience, providing a refreshing contrast to the cake.

Drizzle with Lemon Glaze

• A light lemon glaze can enhance the flavor profile while adding a glossy finish for an appealing look.

Offer Fresh Mint Leaves

• Sprigs of mint not only add color but also a refreshing herbal note that pairs well with the cake’s sweetness.

Present on a Decorative Stand

• Elevating your cake on a cake stand makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Lemonade Cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Avoid dense cake by spooning flour into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary; check your cakes 5 minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

• Cool Cakes Properly: Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

• Chill Between Layers: Chilling the cake between frosting layers helps set the buttercream and makes assembly easier.

• Decorate Just Before Serving: Apply finishing touches like fruit or glaze shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Lemonade Cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser that complements the citrusy notes of the cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness with acidity.

3. Cheese Platter: Include tangy cheeses like goat cheese or brie to contrast the sweetness of the cake.

4. Pistachio Baklava: The nutty flavor provides an interesting texture and taste alongside your cake.

5. Mini Quiches: Savory bites can balance out dessert flavors, especially those with herbs or vegetables.

6. Cucumber Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette brings brightness and refreshment to your meal.

7. Herbed Scones: These can add a savory touch that pairs nicely with sweet desserts like strawberry lemonade cake.

8. Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert offers a delightful contrast to the tartness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemonade Cake, small errors can lead to a less than perfect result. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can prevent the batter from mixing properly. Always let your ingredients sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can make the cake dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Ignoring cake pan preparation: Failing to line your pans can cause the cake to stick. Always use parchment paper and grease the sides with butter for easy removal.

• Underbaking or overbaking: Baking for too long or too short can affect the cake’s moisture. Always check doneness with a toothpick, and remember that cakes continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.

• Skipping chilling times: Not allowing layers or frosting to chill can make assembly challenging. Be patient; chilling helps improve stability and appearance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Lemonade Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep any extra frosting in a separate container to maintain its texture.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze before applying any glaze or decorations.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place a slice in the pan and cover it with a lid, warming it slowly for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Lemonade Cake?

Strawberry Lemonade Cake is a delightful dessert combining flavors of fresh strawberries and zesty lemons, layered with creamy mascarpone frosting and strawberry compote.

How do I make homemade strawberry compote?

To make strawberry compote, simmer chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until thickened. Allow it to cool before using it as a filling in your cake.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

While homemade frosting adds freshness, you can use store-bought options if you’re short on time. Look for quality buttercream or cream cheese varieties that complement the flavors.

How can I customize my Strawberry Lemonade Cake?

You can customize this cake by adding different fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or by infusing different citrus flavors like lime instead of lemon for a refreshing twist.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is not only visually stunning but also bursts with flavor. Its light texture and zesty notes make it an excellent choice for summer gatherings or special occasions. Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to make it uniquely yours!

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