A Slice of Summer Bliss
Are you ready to elevate your dessert game and bring a smile to everyone’s face? This delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cake is just what you need! Bursting with the bright flavors of summer, it’s the perfect treat to celebrate sunny days, family gatherings, and those unexpected moments when you just need a slice of something heavenly.
Whether you’re a busy mom juggling kids and work or just someone looking to impress friends at your next brunch, this recipe is a wonderful way to combine simplicity with a touch of elegance. Come on, let’s dive into this mouthwatering cake recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade Cake
First of all, who doesn’t love the classic combination of strawberries and lemons? It’s like summer in a bite! This cake is moist, fluffy, and topped with a luscious strawberry lemonade frosting that will have you dreaming of picnics and backyard barbecues. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means you can whip it up even on a busy day. Sounds like a winner, right?
Ingredients
Let’s gather the goodies! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of lemonade (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- Zest of one lemon (for that extra zing)
For the Strawberry Lemonade Frosting:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemonade
- 1 cup of pureed fresh strawberries (feel free to sneak an extra berry or two in for garnish!)
- A pinch of salt
Steps to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Alright, it’s showtime! Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because baking a cake in a cold oven is about as effective as trying to jumpstart a car with a spoon. Trust me; the cake will appreciate the warmth.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, lemonade, and lemon zest.
- Mix everything together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter should be smooth, so if you see any lumps, fear not! Just keep mixing gently until they disappear.
3. Bake it Up
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or divide it into two 9-inch round cake pans for a tiered effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center. While that’s happening, your kitchen will start smelling like a dream!
4. Cool and Prepare the Frosting
Once baked, remove the cake(s) from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, let’s whip up that frosting!
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and fluffy. (And let’s be honest: we all love buttery goodness!)
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until well combined; it’s going to look like pure magic.
- Then, mix in the lemonade, strawberry puree, and a pinch of salt until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemonade.
5. Frost the Cake
Spread the frosting generously over the top of the cooled cake. If you made two layers, don’t forget to frost between the layers as well! Garnish with additional fresh strawberries for that Insta-worthy touch.
Cooking Tips
- Freshness Matters: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries when making the frosting. You won’t regret it!
- Let Your Cake Rest: Allow your frosted cake to sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle—what you might call a cake party!
Personal Anecdote
I remember the first time I made this Strawberry Lemonade Cake for a family barbecue. My kids were so excited to help, and it quickly became our go-to dessert for summer gatherings. And, let me tell you, seeing their sticky little fingers happily diving into the frosting was pure joy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cake mix?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make this cake from scratch. Just whip up your favorite vanilla cake recipe, and follow the same instructions for the lemonade and strawberries.
How can I store leftovers?
Your strawberry lemonade cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. But let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long!
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
You can use frozen strawberries, too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.
With its cheerful palette and refreshing flavors, this Strawberry Lemonade Cake is perfect for any occasion or even just a mid-week pick-me-up. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that mixing bowl, and let this cake show off its scrumptious side!
For more delightful recipes to complement this sweet treat, check out my other Blue Velvet Cake or explore Easy Twix Cookies that could pair beautifully with it. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Description
Are you ready to elevate your dessert game and bring a smile to everyone’s face? This delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cake is just what you need! Bursting with the bright flavors of summer, it’s the perfect treat to celebrate sunny days, family gatherings, and those unexpected moments when you just need a slice of something heavenly.
Ingredients
Let’s gather the goodies! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of lemonade (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- Zest of one lemon (for that extra zing)
For the Strawberry Lemonade Frosting:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemonade
- 1 cup of pureed fresh strawberries (feel free to sneak an extra berry or two in for garnish!)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Steps to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Alright, it’s showtime! Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because baking a cake in a cold oven is about as effective as trying to jumpstart a car with a spoon. Trust me; the cake will appreciate the warmth.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, lemonade, and lemon zest.
- Mix everything together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The batter should be smooth, so if you see any lumps, fear not! Just keep mixing gently until they disappear.
3. Bake it Up
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or divide it into two 9-inch round cake pans for a tiered effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center. While that’s happening, your kitchen will start smelling like a dream!
4. Cool and Prepare the Frosting
Once baked, remove the cake(s) from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, let’s whip up that frosting!
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and fluffy. (And let’s be honest: we all love buttery goodness!)
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until well combined; it’s going to look like pure magic.
- Then, mix in the lemonade, strawberry puree, and a pinch of salt until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemonade.
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5. Frost the Cake
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Spread the frosting generously over the top of the cooled cake. If you made two layers, don’t forget to frost between the layers as well! Garnish with additional fresh strawberries for that Insta-worthy touch.
Notes
- Freshness Matters: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries when making the frosting. You won’t regret it!
- Let Your Cake Rest: Allow your frosted cake to sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle—what you might call a cake party!
Spread the frosting generously over the top of the cooled cake. If you made two layers, don’t forget to frost between the layers as well! Garnish with additional fresh strawberries for that Insta-worthy touch.