Strawberry Lemonade Cake (4 Layers) with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Strawberry Lemonade Cake is the ultimate celebration cake for warm weather, special occasions, and anyone who loves bright, fresh flavors. This stunning 4-layer cake combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tangy, refreshing bite of lemonade, all wrapped in a smooth, luscious lemon cream cheese frosting. Every slice is vibrant, colorful, and bursting with flavor—making it just as beautiful as it is delicious.

What makes this cake truly special is its balance. The strawberry layers are soft, moist, and naturally sweet, while the lemon layers add a zesty contrast that keeps the cake from feeling heavy. The lemon cream cheese frosting ties everything together with a rich, tangy finish that complements both flavors perfectly without overpowering them.

This cake is ideal for birthdays, summer parties, baby showers, bridal showers, holidays, and any event where you want a dessert that truly stands out. While it looks impressive and bakery-worthy, each component is straightforward to prepare. With a little planning, this cake comes together beautifully and delivers show-stopping results.

If you’re looking for a layered cake that feels fresh, joyful, and unforgettable, Strawberry Lemonade Cake is the perfect choice.

Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Layers

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, room temperature

¾ cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen strawberries, blended smooth)

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Cake Layers

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, room temperature

½ cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

6–7 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

Fresh strawberries

Lemon slices or lemon zest

Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

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

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in strawberry purée, milk, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, repeat the process for the lemon cake: whisk dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add eggs, then mix in lemon juice, zest, milk, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients until smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Layers

Divide strawberry batter evenly between two pans and lemon batter between the remaining two pans. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Variations

All Strawberry Version: Use strawberry batter for all four layers.

All Lemon Version: Make all layers lemon for a bold citrus cake.

Strawberry Filling: Add strawberry jam between layers for extra fruit flavor.

Mini Layer Cakes: Bake in smaller pans for individual cakes.

Lemon Curd Layer: Add lemon curd between layers for extra tang.

Cooking Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter.

Do not overmix to keep cake layers tender.

Chill layers slightly before frosting for easier assembly.

Level cake layers for a clean, professional finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with iced tea, lemonade, or coffee. This cake is ideal for summer celebrations, birthdays, brunches, and dessert tables where color and flavor matter.

Tips

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.

Chill the cake for 30 minutes after frosting for clean slices.

Store covered in the refrigerator to keep frosting fresh.

Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Prep Time

45 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Total Time

2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling and assembly)

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

Calories: 540

Protein: 6g

Sodium: 320mg

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day ahead and frost the next day.

Can I freeze the cake layers?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

What frosting works besides cream cheese?
Lemon buttercream is a good alternative.

How do I keep the cake moist?
Avoid overbaking and store covered in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a bright, refreshing, and show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. With soft strawberry and lemon layers stacked high and wrapped in tangy, creamy frosting, this 4-layer cake delivers incredible flavor and visual appeal in every slice. Whether for a special occasion or a summer gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress and become a favorite centerpiece dessert.

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