Strawberry Lemonade Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the taste of summer, look no further than Strawberry Lemonade Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake combines the sweetness of strawberries with the zesty flavor of lemons, creating a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or any celebration, this cake is sure to impress everyone!
Why Make This Recipe
Making this Strawberry Lemonade Cake is a great way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer all year round. It’s simple to prepare, and the combination of strawberries and lemons creates a perfectly balanced flavor. Plus, the creamy lemon frosting adds an extra touch of deliciousness, making this cake not only a feast for the taste buds but also a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box of strawberry gelatin
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- 1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and strawberry gelatin. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until smooth. Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Once incorporated, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake. Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top and place the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Step 4: Enjoy! Garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon zest. Slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature. It’s lovely on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea would complement this cake beautifully!
How to Store Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-5 days, and the flavors will continue to develop for an even more delicious taste!
Tips to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and lemons will make a big difference in flavor.
- Cool Completely: Ensure that the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Decorate Wisely: Add extra strawberries on top of the frosting for a beautiful presentation.
Variation
You can switch up the flavor by using different fruit gelatins, like raspberry or peach, instead of strawberry. This will create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free white cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I make the cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cake and share the joy of its refreshing flavors with friends and family!
Strawberry Lemonade Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake (approximately 8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the zesty flavor of lemons, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 (3 oz) box of strawberry gelatin
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- 1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and strawberry gelatin. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon zest. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cake, dessert, strawberries, lemon, summer, celebration