Strawberry-Lemon Layer Cake

Strawberry-Lemon Layer Cake

The weather is warmer, trees are budding, and the days are getting longer. Spring is here and that means sweeter and fresher fruits. So this week I picked up some strawberries and celebrated all things spring by making a cake. My creation? A strawberry-lemon layer cake! The neat thing about this cake is that all you really need is cake mix, butter and confectionery sugar. The rest is up to your imagination. This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your taste buds. I started with vanilla cake mix (mostly because it was on sale and I can't pass up a good deal!) I added lemon juice and lemon zest for a little kick. On the inside is a strawberry filling and a vanilla butter glaze. And finally, the cake is topped off with vanilla butter cream frosting and raspberries. This cake is fresh, light, and scrumptious. It truly was the perfect way to bring in spring. 

To me, baking is all about experimenting, colors, and taste. 

1. Don't be afraid to adapt a recipe within reason. For example, if a chocolate chip cookie recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can replace it with more chips (becuase you can never have too much chocolate.) 
2. Natural colors are really appealing to the eye. If you want to impress a guest, stick to the natural colors of fruits, vegetables, or spices. 
3. For taste, sometimes you will bake something that is terrible. It happens to all of us, but the best thing to do is to laugh at yourself and move on. There is always room for improvement. If you've lost hope, don't because you can do it! 

Strawberry-Lemon Layer Cake

Serves 12

Ingredients:

*For the Cake*

1 box of cake mix (vanilla or lemon would work great)

        -water, vegetable oil, and eggs called for on the back or side of the box 

4-5 tbsp lemon juice 

2 tsp lemon zest

*For the strawberry filling (modified)*

1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch

*For the frosting*

1 cup unsalted butter

3 cups confectionery sugar

1 teaspoons of vanilla

1-3 teaspoons of water, milk, or lemon juice (I used water)

1. Preheat oven to 350° and follow instructions on the cake box. 
2. Once, you have incorporated the cake box required ingredients. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix until incorporated. 
3. Split the batter equally into two 9-inch round pans and bake for the suggested time on the box. 
4. In a small saucepan on medium heat, whisk together water and cornstarch. Add the strawberries and sugar. Simmer until desired thickness. Set aside and cool. 
5. Mix butter on medium speed for three minutes, until fluffy. Add sugar, vanilla, and liquid and mix on low until combined. (Don't mix on high or there will be a BIG mess.) Once combined, mix on high for 2 minutes, until light, fluffy, and delicious. 
6. Once the cakes have cooled, spread the filling in the middle (reserve some for drizzling on individual pieces of cake.) Frost the cake or pipe on designs. Garnish with pretty sprinkles or fruit. And voila! You just made a cake!