Strawberry Lemonade Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for the cake.
02 - Granulated sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness.
03 - Eggs: 4 large, for binding.
04 - Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
05 - Lemon extract: 1 tsp (optional), for extra lemon flavor.
06 - All-purpose flour: 3 cups, for structure.
07 - Baking powder: 1 tsp, for leavening.
08 - Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance sweetness.
09 - Buttermilk: 1 cup, for moisture.
10 - Lemon zest: zest of 1 lemon, for flavor.
11 - Fresh strawberries: 1 cup, diced for cake batter.
12 - Powdered sugar: 1 cup, for glaze.
13 - Lemon juice: 2 tbsp, for tartness in glaze.
14 - Milk: 1 tbsp, to adjust glaze consistency.
15 - Strawberry puree: 1/2 cup (optional, for glaze flavor and color).

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon extracts, if using.
04 - In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Gently fold in lemon zest and diced strawberries.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
08 - Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
09 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Add strawberry puree for extra flavor and color, if desired.
11 - Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

# Notes:

01 - This Strawberry Lemonade Pound Cake Loaf combines fresh strawberries and tangy lemon for a light, summery treat.
02 - Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, or as a refreshing dessert.
03 - Adding strawberry puree to the glaze enhances flavor and gives the glaze a pretty pink color.

Back