Desserts

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is sunshine in cake form, and I’m genuinely so thankful you’re here to make it with me.

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your pan well.
  2. Mix dry ingredients In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs and flavorings Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
  5. Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk Add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined.
  6. Fold in strawberries Gently fold in floured strawberries, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Bake Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. The smell when this is baking is incredible!! Bright, citrusy, and pure happiness.
  9. Cool and glaze Let cake cool completely. Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the cake.

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is sunshine in cake form, and I’m genuinely so thankful you’re here to make it with me. This is one of those recipes that feels happy from the very first step—the bright lemon aroma, the sweet strawberries, and that ultra-soft buttermilk crumb that just melts in your mouth. It’s fresh, cheerful, and downright irresistible.

Right after the first bite, you’ll taste why this cake deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection. And before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to receive this recipe by email, because this is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Overview of Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake combines the tangy brightness of lemonade, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the richness of buttermilk into one tender, flavorful dessert. It’s perfect for spring gatherings, summer cookouts, birthdays, or anytime you need a little joy on a plate.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

You’re going to adore this cake because it:

  • Has a soft, moist crumb thanks to buttermilk
  • Balances sweet strawberries with zesty lemon
  • Looks beautiful with minimal decorating
  • Works as a sheet cake, layer cake, or Bundt
  • Tastes even better the next day

What Does Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake Taste Like?

It’s lightly tangy, gently sweet, and incredibly refreshing. The lemon flavor is bright but not overpowering, while the strawberries add little bursts of fruity sweetness throughout the cake.

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Great make-ahead dessert
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart
  • Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly

Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake

Cake Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced and lightly floured
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry puree or juice

Necessary Tools for Preparation

You’ll need:

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or zester
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9×13-inch pan, Bundt pan, or two 9-inch round pans

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

  • Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries
  • Use Greek yogurt mixed with milk if you don’t have buttermilk
  • Add a drop of strawberry extract for extra flavor
  • Make it extra lemony with additional zest

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your pan well.
  2. Mix dry ingredients In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs and flavorings Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
  5. Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk Add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until combined.
  6. Fold in strawberries Gently fold in floured strawberries, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Bake Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

The smell when this is baking is incredible!! Bright, citrusy, and pure happiness.

  1. Cool and glaze Let cake cool completely. Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the cake.

What to Serve with Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with:

  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh strawberries on the side
  • Iced tea or lemonade
  • A light brunch spread

Storage Instructions

  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
  • Refrigerate up to 5 days
  • Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months

General Information

Buttermilk cakes are known for their tender crumb and balanced flavor. Paired with lemon and strawberries, this version feels fresh, nostalgic, and just a little fancy without any extra effort.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade Buttermilk Cake is bright, moist, and full of flavor—the kind of cake that makes people smile after the first bite. It’s easy, beautiful, and perfect for sharing, which is exactly what the best recipes should be.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:

  • Lemon buttermilk pound cake
  • Strawberry shortcake cake
  • Peach lemonade loaf

Interactive Elements

If you bake this cake, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest. Seeing your creations truly means so much to me 🍓🍋

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Protein: 5g

Tips for Success

  • Use room-temperature ingredients
  • Toss strawberries in flour to prevent sinking
  • Don’t overmix once flour is added
  • Let the cake cool fully before glazing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh is best, but frozen can work if thawed and well-drained.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes! Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Is the glaze necessary?

No, but it adds extra lemonade flavor and a beautiful finish.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce it, but the balance of lemon and strawberry works best as written.

Tried This Recipe?I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and don't forget to share a photo.
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