Name: Strawberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (260g) fresh or frozen strawberries, quartered; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice; 1⅔ cups (235g) all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup plus 2 tbsp (225g) granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons); 2 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup (120ml) full-fat plain yogurt; 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract; ¼ cup (60ml) sunflower oil; ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted; ⅓ cup (80ml) milk, room temperature; ⅓ cup (80ml) strawberry compote (from above); 3 drops red food colouring (optional); ¾ pkg (6 oz / 170g) cold cream cheese; 3 tbsp (40g) granulated sugar, divided; 1 cup (237ml) cold heavy whipping cream; 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) strawberry compote; ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that is bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful texture, the Strawberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the perfect choice. This cake is a charming blend of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries, wrapped in a tender crumb cake and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirled with homemade strawberry compote. It’s a beautiful celebration of spring and summer’s best flavors that will brighten any gathering or simply make your day extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with light beige, thick batter that has a slightly chunky texture on top, with some white flour scattered on the batter’s surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, near three bright yellow lemons and three red strawberries with green leaves. Next to the bowl is a white spatula decorated with small colorful sprinkles, and a white cloth with red stripes is partially visible underneath the bowl. The batter looks ready for mixing or baking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Strawberry Lemon Cake lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: strawberries provide natural sweetness and moisture, lemon zest adds a zesty brightness, and cream cheese frosting lends a creamy, tangy finish that balances the cake perfectly.

Fresh or frozen strawberries (2 cups, quartered): Essential for the sweet berry compote and the natural strawberry flavor throughout the cake.
Granulated sugar (varied amounts): Sweetens the compote, cake, and frosting to just the right level.
Lemon juice (1 tsp): Adds a refreshing citrus tang that wakes up the strawberries and cake.
All-purpose flour (1 ⅔ cups): Provides structure and tenderness to the cake crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners help the cake rise beautifully and become light and fluffy.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Lemon zest (1 tbsp): Imparts an aromatic citrus note that’s incredibly inviting.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add richness to the cake.
Full-fat plain yogurt (½ cup): Keeps the crumb moist and tender with a subtle tang.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and warmth that complements the fruit flavors.
Sunflower oil (¼ cup): Ensures the cake stays soft and moist without heaviness.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Brings richness and flavor complexity.
Milk (⅓ cup, room temperature): Adds moisture and helps blend the batter smoothly.
Strawberry compote (⅓ cup plus 1-2 tbsp for frosting and topping): A luscious homemade jam-like sauce made from strawberries that gives the cake bursts of flavor inside and out.
Red food coloring (optional): Enhances the vibrant pink hues of the batter for a gorgeous presentation.
Cold cream cheese (6 oz): The star component in the rich and tangy frosting.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped into the frosting for a light and fluffy texture.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Create the Strawberry Compote

Begin by making the strawberry compote, which is the flavor foundation for both the cake batter and the frosting. Simmer fresh or frozen strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until the mixture thickens like jam. Stir often so it doesn’t stick or burn. This compote infuses the cake with sweet, tangy fruitiness you’ll love.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Rub sugar and lemon zest together until fragrant and vibrant. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, yogurt, vanilla, oil, melted butter, milk, and the freshly made strawberry compote. Lightly mix wet ingredients into dry until smooth, taking care not to overwork the batter. If you want a pretty pink cake, add a few drops of red food coloring.

Step 3: Bake the Cake with a Strawberry Swirl

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and dollop the remaining strawberry compote over the top. Use a knife to swirl the compote gently through the batter for pockets of sweet burst. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the surface is light golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack—the aroma at this stage is simply irresistible.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cold cream cheese until smooth, adding a tablespoon of sugar to soften the texture. Gradually whip in heavy cream until you reach a smooth, fluffy consistency. Sweeten with sugar and vanilla, then fold in strawberry compote for that fruity finish. Chill the frosting in the fridge for 20 minutes to help it thicken and become easier to spread.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For the finishing touch, swirl more strawberry compote over the frosting for a gorgeous marbled effect. This stunning Strawberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is now ready to delight everyone who tries it.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A square cake with one thick layer of light brown sponge base topped with a thick spread of creamy white frosting mixed with swirls of red jam, creating a marbled effect. The frosting is decorated with small yellow lemon zest pieces scattered all over and a thin lemon slice placed on the top left corner of the cake and another slice resting on the separated right slice. Two square pieces are cut from the front left and placed back closely. The cake sits on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, with lemon halves and a jar of red jam visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and thin lemon slices make perfect garnishes to echo the cake’s main flavors and add a decorative, fresh appeal. A sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves adds a pop of green and a refreshing hint that complements the lemon beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, perfect for an afternoon indulgence. For a festive celebration, serve alongside a crisp fruit salad or a light scoop of vanilla ice cream to add extra creaminess without overpowering the cake’s bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert table centerpiece, cut the cake into neat squares and place them on an elegant platter, topping each piece with a fresh strawberry and a mint leaf. Alternatively, layer the cake with frosting and more strawberry compote in a trifle bowl for a fun and visually impressive twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Strawberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s fresh texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep this cake longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

Since this cake has a creamy frosting, avoid microwaving to reheat. Instead, bring slices to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy all the flavors and the soft, moist crumb of the cake.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the compote?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully for the compote and can even make the simmering process quicker since they release juice rapidly. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery compote.

Is it necessary to use both yogurt and oil in the cake?

Yes, using both yogurt and oil creates a perfect balance of moisture and tenderness without making the cake heavy. The yogurt adds a slight tang and helps the crumb stay soft, while the oil keeps the cake moist.

Can I substitute cream cheese in the frosting?

The cream cheese is essential for that tangy, creamy profile in the frosting. While you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta, it may alter the texture and flavor. For the best result, stick with good-quality cold cream cheese.

How do I prevent the strawberry compote from seeping into the cake too much?

Swirling rather than fully mixing the compote into the batter helps create pockets of flavor without saturation. Also, make sure the compote is thickened properly before adding it to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that is meant to be a 1:1 replacement. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten free, and adjust baking times slightly if needed as gluten-free flours sometimes bake differently.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about the brightness and freshness packed into the Strawberry Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Whether you are baking it for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles and a little sunshine into your kitchen. So why not gather these simple ingredients and create a dessert that feels as delightful as it tastes? I promise it will become one of your favorites in no time.