This dreamy cake has soft lemon sponge, homemade strawberry jam, and a rich Swiss buttercream. A zingy mascarpone chantilly whipped in, and lemony syrup on top, keeps every layer moist and tasty. The cake is finished with a shiny glaze. Add fresh strawberry or lemon if you want. Every bite pops with citrus and sweet berry. It looks gorgeous on the table and is sure to wow at any gathering.
Say hello to a knockout dessert that tastes just like summer vacation. Tangy lemon and fresh strawberries come together in every yummy bite. Soft lemon cake layers hug homemade strawberry jam and a fluffy lemon mascarpone, all coated in creamy strawberry buttercream and finished off with a shiny lemony glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turn heads at any party with a treat that looks incredible and tastes even better
Mix of fruity, zippy, and lightly sweet—never feels too heavy or sugary
Make parts ahead so building everything later is a breeze
Perfect balance of textures from soft cake to creamy fillings
Stunning pink and yellow colors that photograph beautifully
I first whipped up this cake for my kid’s birthday in the spring, and everyone raved about the fresh lemon and strawberry flavors. Now my family asks for it at almost every get-together. The pink and yellow are always a crowd-pleaser, too.
Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice and zest: Breathes loads of citrus flavor into the cake Use organic lemons for the brightest taste
Buttermilk: Brings a gentle tang and keeps the crumb soft Always use room temperature for best mixing
All-purpose flour: Lays the foundation and along with cornstarch keeps things airy Sift for the lightest texture
Powdered sugar: Blends in smooth for the softest texture Creates a more tender crumb than granulated
Unsalted butter: Gives a rich melt-in-your-mouth base Use room temperature for proper creaming
Room temperature eggs: Whip in extra air so the cake feels lighter Cold eggs can curdle the batter
Vanilla extract: Adds warm notes—never overpowering Use pure extract not imitation
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake puff up just right Check expiration dates for best lift
Salt: Makes every bite taste better without being salty Kosher salt distributes most evenly
Fresh strawberries: For compote filling and decoration Choose firm berries with bright color
Mascarpone cheese: Creates rich creamy filling base Italian mascarpone has the best texture
Heavy cream: For whipping and lemon drizzle Always use cold cream for best volume
White chocolate: Melted into a smooth dreamy topping Use good quality for smoothest drizzle
Lemon curd: For flavor plus a splash of bright yellow Store-bought works but homemade is best
Step-by-Step Instructions
