Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake

Enjoy the taste of summer with Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake. This light cake melts in your mouth blending the lines between tart, sweet, and delicious!

Dreaming of lazy-filled, sun-drenched afternoons by the pool? My Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake captures the essence of summer with every bite. This recipe is delicious and easy as I believe all summer recipes should be, especially when it comes to dessert!

STRAWBERRY LEMON LOAF CAKE

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The sweetness of ripe strawberries pairs nicely with the bright and tangy kick of lemon zest, creating a moist and fluffy cake that melts in your mouth. Each bite feels light yet indulgent. As the weather warms and fruits are back in season, this cake deserves a spot in your summer recipe rotation. This is a must-try for anyone who loves a fruity dessert!

Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake truly “takes the cake” for light and refreshing desserts. It was meant to be enjoyed for gatherings, a weekend brunch, or a cozy afternoon in the sunshine. Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake truly speaks for itself with its vibrant fruity flavors. If you’re not typically a fruit dessert enthusiast, this might just be the recipe that changes your mind. Give it a try!

Ingredients

Lemon Loaf Cake

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Strawberry Glaze

• 3 Tablespoons reduced strawberry puree (made from 1 cup of strawberries)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup whole milk

Instructions

For Cake

Lower the oven rack to the lower third position. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom of an 8×4-inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper and allow the short sides to extend a couple inches past the sides for easy removal.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy; about 2 minutes. Scrape the butter down off the sides of the mixing bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl in between each addition. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla. Mix until combined. (It is normal for the mixture to look curdled right now.)

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl. Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet mixture, while mixers on low speed, just until combined. Don’t over-mix.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread out evenly. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. (a few crumbs left are fine.) To prevent over-browning, tent a piece of foil over the pan halfway through the baking time.

Carefully remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 1 hour. Using the parchment paper, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

Strawberry Glaze

Pulse one cup of fresh or frozen strawberries in a food processor until pureed. Pour into a small saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of water. Heat over medium heat until the strawberries are simmering and thickened. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl. Chill the reduced puree in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, add the powdered sugar, milk and 3 tablespoons strawberry puree. Whisk to combine well. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If too thin, add more confectioner’s sugar. If too thick, add more whole milk. Pour glaze over the top of the cake and allow it to drip down the sides. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Storing and Reheating

Due to the fresh fruit used in this recipe, it’s best to consume within 1 to 3 days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze a couple of slices, store in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month. It’s best to let it sit at room temperature after you take it out of the freezer when serving again. When it comes to reheating, reheat in the microwave for up to 10 seconds to soften the cake and glaze. Be careful not to overheat.

Holly’s Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake

1. Use the freshest produce you have available near you. Fresh fruit will make this so much better!
2. Bake the cake in the center and lower third rack of the oven. And don’t open the oven door too early. This ensures the oven temperature stays consistent, so the cake bakes correctly.
3. Use a toothpick to check when the cake is done. If it comes out clean or with very little crumbs it is done! 
4. Let the cake cool completely before glazing.
5. You can make this cake one day ahead, although I would make glaze the day you plan to serve it! 😊

Servings

This delicious Strawberry Lemon Loaf Cake yields up to eight servings, but this will vary on how thick you slice it.

Similar Recipes

Looking for something similar? Try my Strawberry Sheet Cake. Another delicious summer dessert with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberry slices. Yum!

Try my Skinny Strawberry Cheesecake Dip for a lighter dessert option. It tastes great at a fraction of the calories. Dig in!

Who says you can’t have breakfast for dessert? Try my Berry Croissant Bake for a Danish inspired meal.

Impress at your next summer BBQ or soiree with this Berry Cheesecake Salad. A delicious side dish that is to die for!

We all scream for ice cream (especially if no machine is required)! Try my Easy Strawberry Ice Cream recipe. It tastes like summer! 

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