Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake

Who doesn’t love a refreshing slice of cake on a warm summer day? This Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake is the perfect combination of tart and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice and zest.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until fully incorporated.
6. Divide the batter into two equal portions and mix the strawberry puree into one half, adding pink food coloring if desired.
7. Pour the batters into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Popular Questions:

• Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the puree?

A: Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh in the puree. Just make sure to thaw them before blending.

• Q: Is it okay to skip the pink food coloring?

A: Yes, the pink food coloring is optional and can be omitted without affecting the taste of the cake.

• Q: Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?

A: You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar effect.

Helpful Tips:

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the puree.
• Layer the cakes with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for a lighter filling.

Expert Secrets:

• Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation and a lighter cake texture.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.