Strawberry Limeade Cake

Looking for a cake that’s as bright, fresh, and vibrant as the season? Let me introduce you to this Strawberry Limeade Cake—it’s sweet, tangy, and so delicious that you won’t be able to resist a second (or third) slice. Imagine the perfect combination of juicy strawberries and a zesty lime twist, all wrapped up in a fluffy, moist cake. The strawberry limeade frosting on top takes this cake to a whole new level. If you’re into refreshing, fruity desserts that still pack a punch of sweetness, this one’s for you!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Limeade Cake

This cake is a total game-changer for so many reasons:

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh strawberries and lime gives a delightful balance of sweet and tart. It’s like sipping a strawberry limeade on a warm summer day—but in cake form!
• Moist and Fluffy: This cake is as soft as a cloud, with just the right amount of moistness to keep every bite light and full of flavor.
• Eye-Catching: The cake’s vibrant pink color, combined with the zesty lime frosting, makes it a showstopper at any gathering. Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or casual dessert night, it’s bound to impress.
• Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt down fancy ingredients. You can make this cake with the stuff you probably already have in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up when a craving strikes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Strawberry Limeade Cake:

For the Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cake, giving it structure and fluffiness.

Granulated Sugar: For sweetness that complements the fruity flavors.

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and get that light, airy texture.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

Eggs: The binding agent that adds richness to the cake.

Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and a soft texture to the cake.

Whole Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

Fresh Strawberries: Pureed for that burst of sweet strawberry flavor.

Fresh Lime Juice & Zest: A fresh twist of lime to give the cake a refreshing tang.

Vanilla Extract: A bit of vanilla to round out the flavors and make everything come together beautifully.

For the Frosting:

Cream Cheese: Gives the frosting a smooth and creamy texture with a slight tang.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the frosting.

Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and the perfect consistency.

Fresh Lime Juice & Zest: To keep the lime flavor front and center in the frosting.

Strawberry Puree: Adds even more strawberry goodness and color to the frosting.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this refreshing, fruity cake:

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest, and mix until combined. Finally, fold in the pureed fresh strawberries.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and strawberry puree, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

9. Frost the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of the first cake. Place the second cake on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

10. Serve & Enjoy

Slice and serve your Strawberry Limeade Cake! Enjoy the balance of sweet strawberries and tangy lime in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)

How to Serve Strawberry Limeade Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with these serving suggestions:

• With Fresh Berries: Top the cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for extra color and a fresh burst of flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream would complement the tangy frosting and make each bite extra creamy.
• Lime Wedges: For a citrusy finish, serve slices of lime on the side for those who love an extra burst of lime.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead. Bake the cakes and frost them a day in advance, and let the flavors come together in the fridge.
• Strawberry Purée Tip: To make the strawberry puree, simply blend fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
• Adjust the Lime: If you love lime, feel free to add more zest to the cake batter or frosting. You can even add a few extra drops of lime juice to enhance the flavor.
• Cake Texture: For a more tender crumb, sift the dry ingredients before mixing them into the wet ingredients. This helps prevent overmixing and makes for a lighter texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! The cake actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors settle in. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Q2: Can I freeze the cake?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just let them thaw, then frost and enjoy.

Q3: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A3: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in the cake and frosting. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover cake in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Q5: Can I use a different citrus instead of lime?
A5: Definitely! You can swap the lime for lemon or orange if you prefer a different citrus flavor.

Q6: Can I make mini cakes with this recipe?
A6: Yes! You can make mini cakes by using smaller cake pans. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness after 20-25 minutes.

Q7: Can I use a store-bought frosting?
A7: While homemade frosting is a big part of what makes this cake so special, you can use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time. Just make sure to add lime zest and strawberry puree to get that fresh flavor!

Q8: How do I make the cake more pink?
A8: To enhance the pink color, add a drop of red food coloring to the cake batter and frosting. It’ll make the cake even more visually striking!

Q9: Can I skip the cream cheese in the frosting?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with additional butter or even whipped cream if you prefer a lighter, less tangy frosting.

Q10: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk. For the frosting, try using a dairy-free cream cheese.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Limeade Cake is a fresh, fruity, and totally delicious dessert that’ll brighten up any occasion. The mix of sweet strawberries and zesty lime creates a perfect balance of flavors, and the cake’s moist, fluffy texture will make everyone come back for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just need something that feels like sunshine on a plate, this cake is the answer. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavor in every bite!

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