Sweet & Zesty Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake Recipe

Layers of summer sunshine burst from this strawberry lemon layer cake that promises pure dessert magic.

Sweet strawberries and bright citrus dance together in perfect harmony.

The delicate cake celebrates vibrant seasonal produce with elegant simplicity.

Tangy lemon zest weaves through soft, tender crumbs, creating a refreshing flavor profile that surprises and delights.

Each slice tells a story of sunshine and sweet indulgence.

Delicate frosting binds the layers into a masterpiece that will enchant every palate.

This decadent dessert stands ready to become your new warm-weather favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 13

Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake Ingredients

• Flour: Provides the fundamental texture and structure of the delicate sponge cake, ensuring a light and airy result.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise evenly and creates a soft, delicate crumb with perfect lift.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps achieve a golden, tender sponge with beautiful caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, complementing the bright citrus notes in the cake.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, zesty citrus aromatics that elevate the entire dessert's flavor profile.

• Egg Whites, Egg Yolks: Work together to create a luxurious, tender sponge with perfect structure and lightness.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Delivers rich, smooth creaminess with a delicate tanginess to the frosting.
• Whipping Cream: Provides airy, light texture to the frosting, making it elegant and cloud-like.
• Strawberries: Creates a vibrant, fresh jam that adds natural sweetness and fruity complexity.
• Powdered Sugar: Smooths and sweetens the frosting while providing a silky consistency.

Baking Tools for Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake

• Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites and beating mascarpone frosting to perfect consistency.
• Saucepan: Needed for cooking strawberry jam over gentle heat.
• 12×16 inch Baking Sheets: Large, flat pans for creating thin sponge layers.
• Parchment Paper: Critical for lining baking sheets and easy cake removal.
• Mixing Bowls: Different sizes required for separating eggs, mixing batters, and preparing frosting.
• Sifter: Helps evenly distribute flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding egg whites and spreading frosting smoothly.
• Whisk: Useful for initial egg and sugar mixing.
• Piping Bag and 6B Tip: For decorative cream topping on cake slices.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting cake layers and trimming edges.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

How to Make Layered Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Strawberry Jam Preparation

Crush fresh strawberries in a saucepan and combine with sweet sugar and zesty lemon juice. Simmer gently until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy spread. Cool completely before layering.

• Sponge Cake Foundation

Whip egg whites into fluffy clouds, folding them delicately into a silky yolk mixture. Spread the batter carefully across baking sheets, creating a light golden canvas that will form the cake’s delicate layers.

• Creamy Mascarpone Dream

Blend mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and bright lemon zest. Whip cream into billowy peaks, gently folding it into the smooth mixture to create a luxurious frosting that promises pure indulgence.

• Elegant Cake Construction

Build your masterpiece by alternating tender sponge layers with vibrant strawberry jam and clouds of mascarpone frosting. Stack with precision, creating a stunning dessert that promises to delight every sense.

• Final Touches

Chill the cake to allow flavors to meld and texture to set. Trim edges for a professional finish, then crown each slice with delicate piped cream and jewel-like fresh strawberry halves that sparkle like edible gems.

Flavor Tips for Zesty Strawberry Lemon Layers

• Infuse the strawberry jam with a splash of Grand Marnier or rosewater for an unexpected, elegant twist that elevates the entire dessert.
• Whip egg whites to precise stiff peaks by ensuring your mixing bowl is completely grease-free, which guarantees a light, airy sponge cake with maximum volume.
• Prepare the strawberry jam and sponge layers up to 2 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers to streamline your cake assembly and reduce day-of stress.
• Create stunning visual appeal by garnishing with edible flowers, candied lemon peels, or a delicate dusting of dried strawberry powder for a professional bakery-style presentation.
• Swap traditional flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy this luxurious layer cake without compromising taste or texture.

Serving Strawberry Lemon Cake at Gatherings

• Summer Picnic Perfection: Take this cake to your next outdoor gathering, where its bright flavors will shine under the sunshine. Fresh strawberries create a stunning garnish that matches the cake's vibrant personality.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve delicate slices alongside classic tea varieties like Earl Grey or chamomile. The lemon and strawberry combination provides a sophisticated touch for refined social events.
• Brunch Showstopper: Present this layered masterpiece as a centerpiece during weekend brunch celebrations. Its light texture and fruity notes complement morning mimosas and fresh fruit platters perfectly.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Match thin slices with a crisp prosecco or sweet rosé wine. The cake's delicate lemon notes and creamy mascarpone frosting create a harmonious culinary experience that elevates the overall taste profile.

Best Storage for Layer Cakes to Keep Moisture

• Cake Freshness Strategies: Store the cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum flavor and texture preservation. Keep it chilled to maintain the creamy mascarpone frosting and prevent ingredient separation.
• Advance Preparation Magic: Bake the sponge layers and prepare strawberry jam up to 2 days before assembly. Wrap cake layers in plastic wrap to retain moisture and store in the refrigerator, ensuring convenient and stress-free cake construction.
• Slice and Serve Wisdom: Individual cake slices can be stored separately in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the delicate decoration's pristine appearance.
• Temperature Control Secrets: Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gentle warming helps soften the frosting and enhances the cake's overall flavor profile, creating a more enjoyable dessert experience.

Sweet Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful strawberry lemon layer cake combines zesty citrus with sweet berries in a harmonious dessert. Creamy frosting and fresh ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors that will enchant you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 eggs, separated
• 1 cup (200g / 7 oz) sugar
• 1 cup (125g / 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp (2g) baking powder
• ½ tsp (2g) salt
• 1 pound (450g / 16 oz) fresh or frozen strawberries
• ⅓ cup (70g / 2.5 oz) sugar
• 3 tbsps (45ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 pound (500g / 17.6 oz) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup (90g / 3.2 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 ⅔ cup (400g / 14.1 oz) whipping cream (35% fat), chilled
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 10 oz (300g) whipping cream
• Fresh strawberries, halved

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Instructions

1. Strawberry Jam Preparation: Combine fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan, simmering until mixture thickens into a rich, glossy jam consistency.
2. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for sponge cake layers.
3. Egg Separation: Divide eggs, creating separate mixtures for yolks and whites with careful precision.
4. Flavor Base: Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy, then infuse with vanilla extract and lemon zest for depth of flavor.
5. Batter Formation: Gently sift dry ingredients into yolk mixture, creating a smooth, airy base with minimal manipulation.
6. Egg White Transformation: Whip egg whites to glossy, stiff peaks, incorporating sugar gradually to maintain volume and stability.
7. Batter Integration: Delicately fold whipped egg whites into yolk mixture, preserving the batter’s light, ethereal texture.
8. Cake Baking: Distribute batter evenly across prepared sheets, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent golden baking.
9. Cake Cooling: Bake until golden, dust with powdered sugar, and transfer to clean parchment for cooling.
10. Mascarpone Frosting Creation: Whip mascarpone until silky, blending powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest for a luxurious cream.
11. Frosting Finalization: Incorporate chilled whipping cream, beating until frosting forms stable, voluptuous peaks.
12. Layer Preparation: Slice cooled sponge cake horizontally, creating four delicate layers for intricate assembly.
13. Base Layering: Secure first cake layer to platter with thin frosting, spread strawberry jam across surface.
14. Frosting Application: Cover jam with generous mascarpone layer, creating harmonious flavor profile.
15. Cake Assembly: Meticulously stack layers of sponge, jam, and frosting with geometric precision.
16. Chilling Process: Refrigerate cake to solidify structure and allow flavors to meld completely.
17. Final Presentation: Trim cake edges for polished appearance, slice into elegant rectangular portions.
18. Decorative Finish: Pipe delicate whipped cream accents and garnish with fresh strawberry halves for visual elegance.

Notes

• Prep Strawberry Jam Early: Make jam at least 1 hour before cake assembly to ensure proper cooling and thickening, allowing flavors to develop fully.
• Master Egg Separation: Use cold eggs, then separate whites and yolks carefully to prevent any yolk contamination, which can deflate egg white volume.
• Fold with Finesse: Gently incorporate whipped egg whites using a bottom-to-top folding motion to preserve air bubbles and maintain the cake’s delicate, light texture.
• Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours before serving to stabilize layers, enhance flavor melding, and achieve clean, precise cutting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg