Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake: An Incredible 5-Step Recipe

Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake is a delightful fusion of sweet and tart flavors that creates a memorable dessert experience. This cake is not just another dessert; it’s a celebration of seasonal fruits that wraps your taste buds in a warm embrace of nostalgia. The pairing of zesty lemon with luscious strawberry jam creates an amazing flavor combination that makes it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, throwing a casual get-together, or simply indulging in something tasty, this cake promises to bring smiles.
This Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. With soft layers of cake, a creamy filling, and the joy of homemade jam, it’s an incredible sweet treat that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen. The first bite reveals a moist interior with bursts of strawberry flavor and the refreshing zing of lemon that awakens your palate.
In this guide, you’ll discover why this recipe is so special, how to make it step by step, and tips for serving it perfectly. With its appealing flavors and heartwarming presentation, you’ll want to bake this Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake again and again. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The allure of Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake lies in its enchanting flavors and simple preparation. Below are several compelling reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
1. Flavor Fusion: The combination of tart lemon and sweet strawberry creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.

2. Simple Ingredients: Most of these ingredients can be found in your pantry, making it easy to whip up on a whim.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, a family gathering, or a birthday celebration, this cake fits right in.

4. Show-Stopping Presentation: Its vibrant colors and layers make it a visually appealing dessert.

5. Customizable: You can personalize it by adding herbs, such as basil or mint, to enhance the flavor further.

6. Great for Sharing: Easy to slice and serve, this cake is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
These reasons showcase why Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake is an incredible recipe. Each slice captures the essence of summer and joy, making it an unforgettable treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

When making your Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake, timing is crucial. Here’s how long you can expect to spend in total:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
– Cooling Time: 20-30 minutes
This brings the total time to approximately 1.5 hours, allowing you ample time to gather ingredients and enjoy the baking process.

Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 cup strawberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 20-30 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Spread the Jam: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of strawberry jam over the top.
10. Stack and Dust: Place the second cake layer on top of the jam-covered layer. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.

How to Serve

To truly elevate your Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake experience, consider following these serving suggestions:
1. Presentation: Use a nice cake stand to showcase the cake. A simple arrangement can add elegance.
2. Accompaniments: Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the taste.
3. Serving Size: Cut the cake into generous slices for your guests, ensuring everyone gets a taste of its delightful flavors.
4. Beverage Pairing: Serve with a cup of tea or a refreshing lemonade to complement the cake’s flavors.
5. Garnishing: Adding fresh strawberries or lemon slices on the side can enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile.
With these considerations, your Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake will be a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering, leaving a lasting impression on your family and friends. Enjoy the fantastic flavors, and happy baking!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh lemons and quality strawberry jam. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavors of your Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake.
– Let the Cake Cool Completely: Before spreading the jam, ensure that the cakes are completely cool to prevent the jam from melting into the layers.
– Test Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s always a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking.
– Experiment with Flavors: You can experiment by adding different citrus zests to the batter, such as orange or lime, for an even more complex flavor profile.
– Slice with Warm Knife: For clean slices, dip your knife in warm water before cutting the cake. Wipe the knife after each cut for a neat presentation.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to explore these variations for your Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake:
1. Layered Version: Create a vertical layered cake by using three or more layers of cake with alternating layers of jam for a stunning presentation.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix to cater to gluten-sensitive friends and family.
3. Added Fruit: Fold in fresh strawberries or blueberries into your cake batter before baking for additional fruitiness.
4. Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter, plus non-dairy milk for a delicious vegan option.
5. Different Jams: Try using different fruit preserves, such as raspberry or peach, for an interesting twist on classic flavors.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator, where it should stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
– Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It will freeze well for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment

To make your baking experience smoother, ensure you have the following tools:
– Two 9-inch round cake pans
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or whisk
– Rubber spatula for scraping batter
– Cooling racks
– Parchment paper (optional for easy cake removal)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes, store-bought jam works wonderfully, but homemade jam adds a special homemade touch.
How can I tell when the cake is perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance, store them in the fridge, and assemble them just before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute, but fresh lemon zest offers a more vibrant flavor.
Is it okay to decorate the cake?
Definitely! Feel free to decorate with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or edible flowers for an elegant final touch.

Conclusion

The Lemon Strawberry Jam Cake is a delightful dessert that encapsulates the best of summer flavors. Its combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberry jam makes it a standout choice for any gathering. The simplicity of the recipe paired with its rich taste ensures it will be a favorite among friends and family. With endless variations and easy storage solutions, you’ll find yourself making this luscious cake over and over again.

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