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
Scale
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.
