When you’re craving a cake that’s both light and refreshing, Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is the perfect choice. The delicate, zesty flavor of lemon combines beautifully with the sweet, creamy strawberry icing, creating a dessert that’s fresh, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself to something special, this cake will quickly become a favorite.
The fluffy lemon cake is soft and light, with just the right amount of tanginess, while the strawberry cream cheese icing adds a rich, velvety sweetness with a burst of fruity flavor. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special, without being overly heavy. The vibrant strawberry icing not only tastes amazing but also makes this cake look absolutely stunning.
Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it an ideal dessert for any celebration or just a lovely treat for yourself. This cake is easy to make and is guaranteed to impress!
Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is a light, fluffy cake filled with the bright and zesty flavor of lemon, paired with a creamy, sweet strawberry icing. The cake is soft and tender, while the strawberry cream cheese icing is rich, smooth, and has just the right amount of tang. The combination of fresh fruit and citrus makes this cake a perfect dessert for spring and summer.
This cake is simple to make and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, birthday party, or a casual treat. With its refreshing flavor and beautiful presentation, Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing will become your go-to cake for every celebration.
Exciting Story:
I first made Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing when I wanted to create a cake that would capture the bright, fresh flavors of summer. I love lemon desserts, and strawberry is the perfect complement to it. After experimenting a few times, I came up with the perfect balance of flavors—a cake that was light and refreshing, paired with an icing that was sweet, tangy, and smooth.
When I served this cake for the first time, my family couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and refreshing it was. The combination of lemon and strawberry was a hit, and the cake quickly disappeared. Since then, it has become a staple in our dessert rotation, and it’s always requested for family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. What I love most about this cake is how the strawberry cream cheese icing adds a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly balances the zesty lemon cake. It’s the kind of cake you can enjoy all year round, but it feels especially perfect when the weather is warm.
Why This Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:
- Refreshing and Light: The light, fluffy lemon cake and creamy strawberry icing offer a refreshing balance of tangy and sweet.
- Simple and Easy to Make: Despite its impressive look, this cake is easy to make, with straightforward ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just an everyday treat, this cake is ideal for any celebration or casual gathering.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant strawberry cream cheese icing not only tastes amazing but also makes the cake look stunning on any dessert table.
- Deliciously Balanced: The tartness of the lemon cake pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberry cream cheese icing, creating the perfect flavor combination.
What You Need For Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:
For the lemon cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry cream cheese icing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (or strawberry preserves)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, sour cream (or buttermilk), lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the strawberry cream cheese icing: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth. Stir in the pureed strawberries and vanilla extract, and beat until the icing is fluffy and well-combined.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese icing on top of the cake. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve the cake, garnished with additional fresh strawberries or a drizzle of lemon glaze if desired.
Tips for Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:
- Sifting the dry ingredients: To ensure a light, airy cake, sift the flour and dry ingredients before mixing them into the wet ingredients.
- Room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Thickening the icing: If your strawberry cream cheese icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Extra lemon flavor: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add a few tablespoons of lemon curd to the cake batter or frosting.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Different Fruit: Try using raspberries or blueberries in place of the strawberries for a unique twist on the icing.
- Lemon Glaze: For an extra lemony touch, drizzle the cake with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Lower-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit in place of the granulated sugar and powdered sugar for a lower-sugar version.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a more fiber-rich version of the cake without sacrificing flavor.
- Lightened-Icing: Use a light cream cheese option or reduced-fat butter to reduce the fat content in the icing.
Closing for Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:
And there you have it! Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful, refreshing dessert that combines the best flavors of lemon and strawberry. With its soft, moist cake and creamy, fruity icing, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a special treat for yourself. Let us know how your cake turns out, and don’t forget to check out more of our fresh, delicious dessert recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions For Lemon Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:
- Can I use frozen strawberries for the icing?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before pureeing. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the best texture. - Can I use a different type of fruit for the icing?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of the cake. - Can I use a store-bought lemon cake mix instead?
Yes, you can use a store-bought lemon cake mix as a shortcut, but homemade cake offers a fresher taste. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without the icing for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake completely before adding the icing. - How can I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired thickness is reached. - How do I get a smoother icing texture?
Beat the cream cheese and butter thoroughly until smooth, and make sure the strawberries are well-pureed for the creamiest icing. - Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version of this cake. - How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan with butter and flour, or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. - How can I make this cake more lemony?
Add more lemon zest to the batter, or drizzle the cake with a lemon glaze after frosting. - Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the icing?
It’s best to use powdered sugar for the icing, as it gives a smooth, creamy consistency. - Can I decorate the cake with extra fruit?
Yes, fresh berries or lemon slices can be added as a garnish to enhance the presentation. - How do I make the icing less sweet?
If you find the icing too sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add a little more lemon