Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake – Bright, Moist, and Perfectly Balanced

Introduction

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. The sweetness of strawberries combined with the tangy brightness of lemon creates a vibrant flavor that feels light yet satisfying. I first made this cake for a warm-weather gathering, and it quickly stood out for its soft crumb and refreshing taste. The buttermilk plays a key role here, giving the cake a tender texture while subtly enhancing the citrus notes. This is the kind of cake that feels cheerful and elegant at the same time, making it suitable for birthdays, brunches, or casual celebrations. What makes it especially appealing is how balanced it is. The lemon never overwhelms, and the strawberry flavor feels natural rather than overly sweet. If you are looking for a cake that feels fresh, moist, and crowd-pleasing, this recipe is a dependable choice that delivers consistent results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is moist, flavorful, and visually appealing. It combines fruit and citrus in a balanced way, uses simple ingredients, and works beautifully as a make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the cake soft and tender when properly mixed.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and highlights the natural flavors of strawberry and lemon.

Unsalted butter adds richness and contributes to a moist, cake-like crumb.

Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide stability.

Buttermilk keeps the cake exceptionally moist and adds a gentle tang that enhances the lemon flavor.

Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness, color, and a subtle fruity texture throughout the cake.

Lemon zest adds concentrated citrus aroma and bright flavor without excess acidity.

Lemon juice provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.

Baking powder helps the cake rise evenly for a light texture.

Salt enhances all the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven and preparing a round or rectangular baking pan by greasing it lightly. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries carefully to avoid overmixing.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves ten to twelve people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations

This cake is easy to adapt to your preferences. You can add a lemon glaze for extra brightness or frost it with a light strawberry or cream cheese frosting. Blueberries or raspberries can be used in place of strawberries for a different fruit profile. For a stronger citrus note, increase the lemon zest slightly. If you prefer a layered presentation, bake the batter in two round pans and fill with strawberry preserves or lemon curd. For a lighter texture, you can separate the eggs and fold whipped egg whites into the batter before baking. Each variation maintains the cake’s moist structure while offering a new flavor experience.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This cake contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of vitamins from the fruit. Reduced sugar or low-fat dairy options can be used with slight texture changes.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use room-temperature ingredients
This helps the batter mix smoothly and evenly.

Do not overmix
Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of tender.

Fresh fruit works best
Fresh strawberries provide better flavor and texture than frozen ones.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but they should be thawed and well-drained first.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be baked one day in advance and stored properly.

What frosting pairs best with this cake?

Light lemon, vanilla, or cream cheese frosting works well.

Can I bake this as cupcakes?

Yes, adjust the baking time to about 18 to 22 minutes.

Is buttermilk necessary?

Buttermilk is recommended for moisture and flavor, but milk with lemon juice can be substituted.

How do I keep strawberries from sinking?

Lightly coating them in flour before folding helps distribute them evenly.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce it, though sweetness and moisture may change.

Does this cake freeze well?

Yes, unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to two months.

What pan size is best?

A standard rectangular or two round pans work well.

Can I add food coloring?

It is optional if you want a more vibrant pink tone.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is a refreshing, moist dessert that brings together bright citrus and sweet berries in perfect harmony. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is a recipe that feels special without being complicated and is sure to impress every time.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!