Ingredients

Scale

For the Strawberry Cake Layers:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp lemon extract (optional)
⅔ cup whole milk
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (patted dry)
A few drops pink or red food coloring (optional)

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp vanilla extract
4–5 cups powdered sugar (adjust to desired consistency)

Optional Garnishes:

Lemon slices
Fresh strawberries
Mint leaves
Candied lemon peel

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour four 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Add Flavor

Stir in lemon zest, vanilla extract, and optional lemon extract for extra tang.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

In a separate bowl, mix milk and lemon juice (this will slightly curdle – that’s good!). Alternate adding the dry mixture and lemon-milk mix into the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Add food coloring if you’d like a pinker cake. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the 4 pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Step 1: Mix Base

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Step 3: Add Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency – thick, yet spreadable.

Step 4: Chill

Optional: Chill for 15 minutes before assembling for easier spreading.

🍰 Assembling the Cake: Step 1: Level the Cakes

Use a serrated knife to level each layer if necessary.

Step 2: Layer and Frost

Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous layer of lemon frosting. Repeat with remaining layers.

Step 3: Frost the Outside

Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Smooth with a spatula or create decorative swirls.

Step 4: Decorate

Top with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or mint for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Make sure to pat dry the chopped strawberries before adding them to the batter. Too much moisture can cause soggy, dense layers. Also, allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.