Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that shouts summer in every bite, the Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe is your answer. Picture this: moist strawberry cake swirled with fresh lime zest and limeade, studded with juicy berries, all topped by an ultra-creamy lime and cream cheese frosting. Every forkful is sweet, tart, and completely irresistible—this is a cake that looks beautiful on any table but is even better to eat. If you adore desserts that wake up your taste buds and are as fun to make as they are to share, this Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe will become your go-to treat for picnics, birthdays, or just a sunny afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this recipe is that it keeps things simple, but each ingredient is purposeful and vibrant. These building blocks come together for a cake that’s colorful, bursting with flavor, and wonderfully easy to bake—even if you’re not usually a cake-maker!
- Strawberry cake mix: The perfect shortcut for a reliable, fluffy base with maximum berry flavor.
- Limeade (prepared or frozen concentrate, thawed): Brings that unmistakable zesty punch and keeps the cake extra moist.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the cake its soft crumb and helps it stay fresh longer.
- Large eggs: Structure and richness—don’t skip these for a robust, tender cake.
- Zest of 1 lime: Adds bright citrus aroma and flavor right into the batter.
- Chopped fresh strawberries: Lends real fruit bursts in every bite, creating juicy surprises throughout.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The dream base for a creamy, luxurious frosting.
- Cream cheese (softened): Pairs beautifully with lime, providing tang and a velvety finish.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a fluffy, sweet frosting that’s easy to spread.
- Lime juice: Ramps up the lime flavor in the frosting for pure citrus delight.
- Lime zest: Fresh zest adds another layer of color and fragrance to the topping.
- Sliced strawberries and lime wedges (optional): Gorgeous, fresh garnishes that take your presentation up a notch.
How to Make Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Kicking things off, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—use a little butter or nonstick spray to ensure your cake comes out easily and beautifully intact. This step is quick but sets you up for stress-free cake removal later!
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix together your strawberry cake mix, limeade, vegetable oil, eggs, and fresh lime zest. Grab your electric mixer and beat everything on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth, thick, and full of that heavenly aroma. Gently fold in your chopped strawberries; this ensures the fruit stays intact and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the finished batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Let the cake cool completely on a rack—trust me, your patience is about to pay off.
Step 4: Whip Up the Frosting
While the cake cools, bring out the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat these together until totally smooth and uniform. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing between each addition, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and luscious. Drizzle in the lime juice and sprinkle in the zest, beating until everything is creamy and fragrant.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish
Once your cake has cooled completely, gently spread the lime cream cheese frosting across the top. For an extra flourish, arrange sliced strawberries and lime wedges on top—your Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe will absolutely sparkle. Chill in the fridge for best slicing and flavor!
How to Serve Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake begs for those little elegant touches. A few artfully placed fresh strawberry slices and lime wedges on top signal the cake’s vibrant flavors and make every piece pop. For a whimsical finish, sprinkle a bit of extra lime zest or dust with powdered sugar—simple, but so inviting.
Side Dishes
The Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe is a showstopper on its own, but it truly shines alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of freshly whipped cream. If you’re serving at a summer gathering, add a bowl of mixed berries or a cool, citrusy fruit salad to round out the dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Cut the cake into squares and place them in decorative cupcake liners for a grab-and-go party look. For a fancier occasion, slice into two layers and add even more frosting in between for a sky-high layer cake. You could even use cookie cutters to shape the cooled cake into hearts or stars—kids and adults alike will love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake tender and the frosting fresh—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
If you want to make the cake in advance, you can freeze unfrosted cake for up to two months. Wrap the entire cake or individual slices well in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
For a little extra indulgence, you can bring cold cake slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, which helps restore the frosting’s creaminess and the cake’s soft texture. There’s no need to microwave—it’s delicious chilled or at room temp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade strawberry cake recipe for the base. Just be sure to bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, and follow the rest of the Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe for assembly and frosting.
What kind of limeade works best?
Either freshly made limeade or thawed frozen concentrate will work. The key is to use something with a bold, tangy flavor to make that citrus pop. Homemade or store-bought, just be sure it’s unsweetened if you want to control the cake’s sweetness.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Definitely! Divide the batter among lined muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 18–22 minutes. You’ll get perfectly portable Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe cupcakes, ideal for parties or picnics.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese in the frosting, it’s best to keep your finished cake in the refrigerator. Just cover it well so it doesn’t dry out.
How can I boost the lime flavor?
If you love a bigger citrus punch, try adding a few drops of lime extract to either the batter or the frosting. It’s a great way to make the lime in your Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe really shine!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe—it brings sunshine to any table and sheer happiness to every forkful. If you love cakes that feel as special as they taste, gather your ingredients and give this one a try. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tangy lime in this delightful Strawberry Limeade Cake. A moist strawberry cake infused with zesty lime flavors, topped with a creamy lime frosting, and garnished with fresh fruit for a burst of summer in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup limeade (prepared or frozen concentrate thawed)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Garnish:
- Sliced strawberries and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, limeade, vegetable oil, eggs, and lime zest. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- Make the frosting: For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add lime juice and zest, beating until well combined.
- Frost the cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with sliced strawberries and lime wedges if desired. Chill before serving for best results.
Notes
- For a bolder lime flavor, add a few drops of lime extract to the batter or frosting.
- This cake can also be made in two 9-inch round pans for a layer cake variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
