Bright, zesty, and perfectly sweet, this Pink Lemonade Cake is a fun and refreshing dessert that’s ideal for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or whenever you’re craving something cheerful and tangy. The combination of lemon and a hint of berry flavor gives this cake a delightful twist on classic lemonade, while its vibrant pink color makes it a showstopper. Finished with a sweet, creamy frosting, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Let’s dive into this simple and stunning recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups)
- Baking Powder (2 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
- Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups)
- Eggs (3 large)
- Pink Lemonade Concentrate (1/2 cup, thawed)
- Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Red or Pink Food Coloring (optional, for desired color)
For the Pink Lemonade Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened)
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups, sifted)
- Pink Lemonade Concentrate (3 tablespoons)
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon)
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Red or Pink Food Coloring (optional, for desired color)
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon Slices
- Pink Sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Lemon Zest, Vanilla, and Lemonade: Mix in the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and pink lemonade concentrate until well combined.
- Alternate Flour and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Add Food Coloring: If you want a brighter pink color, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the batter and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide the Batter: Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Add Lemonade and Zest: Mix in the pink lemonade concentrate, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the pink color.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
- Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish: Garnish the cake with lemon slices or pink sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and enjoy this refreshing and beautiful Pink Lemonade Cake!
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 61g
- Sugars: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade concentrate?
You can substitute fresh lemon juice, but you’ll need to increase the sugar to maintain the sweet-tart balance. Add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the batter and adjust the frosting to taste.
2. How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can bake this cake in a 9×13-inch pan for a sheet cake. The baking time will increase to about 35-40 minutes.
4. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! While the pink lemonade frosting is delicious, you can substitute it with a classic vanilla buttercream or lemon buttercream for a different flavor.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
6. How can I make the cake more lemony?
For an extra lemony flavor, you can add more lemon zest to the batter and frosting. You could also brush the cake layers with a lemon syrup before frosting to enhance the tartness.
7. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
8. What other decorations can I add?
You can decorate the cake with lemon slices, edible flowers, or colored sugar for a festive touch. You could also add fresh raspberries or blueberries to complement the lemonade flavor.
9. Can I use a different flavor of lemonade concentrate?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry lemonade or strawberry lemonade for a fun twist on the recipe.
10. How do I prevent the cake from becoming dry?
Be sure not to overbake the cake, as that can dry it out. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes and remove the cake when a toothpick comes out clean.
This Pink Lemonade Cake is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors, with its zesty lemon and berry notes, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its vibrant pink hue and refreshing taste will brighten up any celebration! Enjoy!