When you want a dessert that tastes like sunshine, this Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is the perfect pick. It’s soft, tender, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor, while the lemony “lemonade” glaze adds the perfect sweet-tart finish. The buttermilk keeps every bite moist and fluffy, making this cake feel bakery-level—even though it’s simple to make at home.
Perfect for picnics, brunch, birthdays, or warm-weather gatherings, this cake is refreshing, pretty, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Serves 10–12
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups (225g) diced strawberries (fresh preferred)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to toss strawberries)
For the Strawberry Lemonade Glaze
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (blend strawberries)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (to thin)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Lemon slices or zest
- Powdered sugar dusting
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan (or a 10–12 cup bundt pan).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Stir in buttermilk and lemon juice until combined.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until smooth—don’t overmix.
Step 5: Add Strawberries
Toss diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon flour (prevents sinking). Fold into the batter gently.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then cool fully before glazing.
Step 8: Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar with strawberry puree and lemon juice until pourable. Drizzle over cake and let set.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for a refreshing “lemonade” flavor boost.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
- Add extra strawberry slices on top for a pretty finish.
- Great as a brunch cake alongside coffee or iced tea.
- Slice into squares for picnics and potlucks.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 1/12 cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 46 grams |
| Sugars | 30 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 210 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Strawberries add vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
- Lemon juice and zest bring fresh flavor without heavy ingredients.
- Buttermilk helps create a moist cake with a tender crumb.
Tips for Perfect Cake
- Use fresh strawberries when possible (frozen can release extra liquid).
- Tossing strawberries with flour helps keep them from sinking.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake soft and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool before glazing, or the glaze will melt into it.
- For extra lemon flavor, add more zest to the glaze.
Variations to Try
- Bundt Cake Version: Bake 45–55 minutes and glaze after fully cooling.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap glaze for a light cream cheese frosting.
- Berry Mix: Use strawberries + blueberries for a colorful twist.
- Lemonade Poke Cake: Poke holes and pour lemon syrup before glazing.
- Cupcakes: Bake 18–22 minutes for strawberry lemonade cupcakes.
This Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that perfectly balances sweet strawberries and bright lemony zing. The buttermilk keeps it tender, and the strawberry lemonade glaze makes it taste like a refreshing summer treat in cake form.
Whether you serve it for a celebration or a simple weekend dessert, this cake guarantees a soft, sunny bite every time.
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