Strawberry Lemon Layer is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite! Imagine biting into a luscious layer of creamy lemon goodness, with the pop of sweet strawberries dancing on your taste buds. The contrast of tart and sweet creates a symphony of flavors that sings summer, even if you’re savoring it in the depths of winter. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert ideas recipe.
This delightful dessert has been my go-to for family gatherings since I can remember. It never fails to impress, whether it’s a birthday bash or just a Tuesday treat. When I first whipped it up for my cousin’s wedding, the oohs and aahs were louder than the DJ’s playlist. Now, let’s dive into this strawberry lemon dream!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Lemon Layer dessert is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors
- Its vibrant colors make it a visual feast on any table
- Perfect for any occasion, from picnics to parties, it’s sure to impress your guests
- Plus, you can make it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining!
Every time I serve this dish, friends and family rave about how delicious it is and ask for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red berries that are firm and fragrant. They should be perfectly ripe for maximum flavor.
- Fresh Lemons: Choose juicy lemons with smooth skin. They will provide the zesty punch you need in this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Use regular sugar to balance the tartness of the lemons and enhance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Heavy Cream: Opt for heavy cream for rich, velvety layers that whip up beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds depth to your dessert’s flavor profile.
- Gelatin Powder: Make sure to use unflavored gelatin to help set those creamy layers perfectly.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for an extra rich base that complements all the other flavors.
- Shortbread Cookies: These will create a crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth layers above.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Base: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine crushed shortbread cookies and melted butter until mixed well. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
Create Your Strawberry Layer: In another bowl, mash half of your strawberries while slicing the rest. Stir in some sugar and let them sit until juicy. Spread this mix over your cookie crust evenly.
Make The Lemon Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and gelatin. Stir until dissolved and slightly thickened—this should take about 5 minutes.
Add The Creamy Goodness: Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before folding in whipped heavy cream gently until just combined—this keeps it airy.
Layer It Up!: Pour half of your lemon filling over strawberries in the pan. Add another layer of sliced strawberries on top followed by the remaining lemon filling. Smooth out evenly.
Chill & Serve!: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set completely. When ready to serve, carefully remove from springform pan and slice into wedges.
Enjoy each layer as if you are indulging in summer sunshine! This Strawberry Lemon Layer is bound to become a favorite at your table!
You Must Know
- This delightful Strawberry Lemon Layer dessert is not just a treat; it’s a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens any occasion
- The combination of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon creates a perfect harmony, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or family dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best way to tackle this recipe is to prepare your lemon curd first while the strawberries macerate. This order saves time and ensures every layer shines with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a unique sweetness. Adding fresh mint can also elevate the flavor profile to something extraordinary!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re reheating, gently warm each layer individually to maintain their lovely textures.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, always use fresh strawberries since they provide the juiciest flavor
- Keep an eye on the lemon curd’s consistency; it should coat the back of a spoon perfectly
- Lastly, let it chill fully before serving for optimal layers
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because I once made it for a summer barbecue, and my friends practically fought over the last slice! Their laughter and joy made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What makes Strawberry Lemon Layer so refreshing?
The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon creates a vibrant flavor explosion.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh strawberries give better texture and flavor in this dessert.
How do I know when my lemon curd is ready?
Lemon curd is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Strawberry Lemon Layer
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Strawberry Lemon Layer is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the zesty brightness of lemon, offering a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. This eye-catching layered dessert features a crunchy shortbread crust, luscious lemon filling, and vibrant strawberry layers that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a sweet indulgence in winter, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter and press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Mash half of the strawberries and mix with 1/4 cup sugar; set aside. Slice remaining strawberries.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, zest, remaining sugar, and gelatin until dissolved and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Cool slightly before folding in whipped heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Layer half of the lemon filling over the cookie crust, followed by the mashed strawberry mixture and sliced strawberries. Top with remaining lemon filling.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until set. Remove from springform pan and serve in wedges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg