If you’re craving something bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. It’s a delightful combination of sweet strawberries and zesty lime that come together in a moist, tender cake with a creamy, tangy frosting that perfectly balances the flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to brighten up an ordinary day, this cake brings a cheerful splash of color and a refreshing taste that feels like summer in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the strawberry cake mix that provides a sweet, berry base, to the fresh lime juice and zest that add that unmistakable citrus punch, every component works together to create a vibrant and unforgettable cake.
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz): The foundational flavor that gives the cake its bright, fruity character.
- Water (1 cup): Hydrates the cake mix to ensure a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness.
- Lime zest of 1 lime: Adds a fresh, aromatic citrus note that wakes up the flavors.
- Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup plus extra for frosting): Delivers the tangy brightness that defines the cake’s signature taste.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, finely chopped or pureed): Enhances the strawberry flavor with real fruit texture or smoothness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds tang and smoothness to the frosting for a luscious finish.
- Powdered sugar (3-4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to your preferred consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the frosting with a subtle, warm flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Fresh strawberry slices (optional, for garnish): Adds a pretty finishing touch and extra freshness.
How to Make Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Before mixing any ingredients, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking, or simply line them with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready once your batter is mixed.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and lump-free. This is the moment where the magic begins — a perfectly smooth batter leads to a fluffy cake that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Lime and Strawberries
Fold in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and finely chopped or pureed strawberries gently into the batter. Mixing these ingredients carefully helps distribute these vibrant flavors evenly, giving every bite a balanced kick of citrus and sweetness.
Step 4: Divide and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely—patience here ensures your frosting doesn’t melt away.
Step 5: Make the Limeade Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, start on your frosting. Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until your frosting is smooth and fluffy. Then stir in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for that bright, tangy finish that complements the cake flawlessly. If the frosting feels too thick, just mix in a tablespoon of milk to reach your ideal spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Then gently add the second layer and cover the entire cake, sides and all, with the remaining frosting. This cake looks as amazing as it tastes once it’s fully frosted and ready to wow your guests.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
For a final flourish, adorn the cake with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of lime zest. These simple garnishes add a touch of elegance and hint at the cake’s flavor profile before the first bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this cake’s presentation and flavor. Think juicy strawberry slices placed artfully on top and a light dusting of lime zest. It adds sparkle and freshness that makes your Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berry salad, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These accompaniments balance the tangy sweetness with creamy or fruity notes, making your dessert experience even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve individual slices with a drizzle of strawberry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. For casual gatherings, arrange mini slices on a platter with edible flowers or mint leaves to make each serving feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, maintaining its moist texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either assembled or as separate layers. Wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cake is best used within 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting or serving.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let the slice sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting and release the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before folding them into the batter to avoid excess moisture that might affect the cake’s texture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. This adjustment allows you to enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another oil?
Absolutely! You can use canola oil, light olive oil, or even melted coconut oil. Just avoid strong-flavored oils that might overpower the cake’s delicate strawberry and lime notes.
How thick should the frosting be for this cake?
The frosting should be fluffy and spreadable but not too runny. If it feels too thick after adding powdered sugar, thin it with a splash of milk until it’s easy to spread but still holds its shape well.
What’s the best way to transport this cake?
For transporting, use a cake carrier or place the cake on a sturdy plate and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Keep it chilled if possible, especially during warmer weather, to prevent the frosting from melting.
Final Thoughts
Trust me on this: once you make this Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, easy to prepare, and always looks stunning on the table. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy making memories around a cake that tastes just as joyful as it looks!
Print
Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Limeade Cake is a delightful, fruity dessert featuring a moist strawberry cake infused with fresh lime zest and juice, layered and frosted with a tangy lime cream cheese frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration, this cake combines bright citrus flavors with sweet strawberries for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped or pureed
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon milk (to thin frosting if needed)
Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Extra lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Add Lime and Strawberries: Gently fold in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and chopped or pureed strawberries until evenly incorporated into the batter.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Flavor the Frosting: Mix in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then carefully set the second layer over it.
- Frost Entire Cake: Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberry slices and sprinkle extra lime zest on top if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother cake texture, puree the strawberries instead of chopping them.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or light olive oil if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- If frosting is too runny, chill it for 15-20 minutes before using.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For extra lime flavor, add a teaspoon of lime extract to the frosting.
