Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cake that screams “summer vibes” and is bursting with fresh, fruity flavors, look no further than this Strawberry Limeade Cake! It’s light, tangy, and just sweet enough, making it the perfect treat for a sunny afternoon or a special gathering. Imagine biting into a moist cake that’s packed with strawberry goodness and finished with a zesty limeade glaze. Trust me, one bite of this cake, and you’ll feel like you’re lounging by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Limeade Cake

Bright and Refreshing: The combination of juicy strawberries and tangy limeade creates a flavor explosion that feels like a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Super Moist: The secret to this cake’s tenderness lies in the addition of a little lime zest and juice, giving it that perfect balance of moisture without being too heavy.

Stunningly Beautiful: The vibrant pink hue from the strawberries and the refreshing lime green glaze create a cake that looks as good as it tastes. It’s perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a showstopper.

Easy to Make: Despite its impressive look, this cake is surprisingly simple to make. With basic ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll have a homemade cake that rivals any bakery creation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Strawberry Limeade Cake to life:

For the Cake:

• Fresh strawberries: The heart and soul of the flavor! You’ll use both pureed strawberries and chopped strawberries for that fresh, fruity taste.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the cake, giving it structure and tenderness.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake just the right amount.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together and adds moisture.
• Lime zest and lime juice: A burst of citrusy goodness that complements the strawberries.
• Milk: Helps achieve that perfect batter consistency, making it smooth and easy to mix.

For the Limeade Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect pourable consistency.
• Lime juice: Adds the tartness and bright flavor that ties the whole cake together.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness to the glaze and gives it that smooth, creamy texture.

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

Instructions

Ready to make this showstopping cake? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or line it with parchment paper) to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Puree about 1 cup of strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Then, chop another 1/2 cup of strawberries into small pieces. Set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lime zest and lime juice for that refreshing citrus flavor. Next, add the pureed strawberries and mix until well incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Limeade Glaze

While the cake cools, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lime juice, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more lime juice or powdered sugar if necessary. The glaze should be smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the limeade glaze over the top, allowing it to gently drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice up your Strawberry Limeade Cake and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they take a bite of this refreshing and tangy dessert. Perfect for any occasion!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: Approximately 280-300 calories (depending on portion size and glaze)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Limeade Cake

This cake is perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ways to serve it that’ll make it even more special:

With a Side of Fresh Fruit: Pair this light and fruity cake with a side of fresh berries or even a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the fruity flavors.

As a Birthday Cake: It’s got that perfect celebratory vibe! Decorate with extra lime zest or fresh strawberries for a gorgeous look.

With Ice Cream or Sorbet: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy lime sorbet complements the bright flavors of the cake and takes it to the next level.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the cake a burst of natural sweetness and flavor. If you use frozen, be sure to thaw them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

Make It in Advance: You can bake the cake a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. Just drizzle on the glaze right before serving to keep it fresh.

Add Lime Zest to the Glaze: If you want even more lime flavor, feel free to add some lime zest to the glaze for an extra punch of citrus.

Make Cupcakes: You can easily turn this recipe into cupcakes by dividing the batter into a cupcake tin. Bake for 18-22 minutes for perfectly portioned treats!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and add the glaze right before serving.

Q2: Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
A2: Yes, you can swap lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different flavor. The result will still be delicious!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you need to keep it longer.

Q4: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A4: Fresh strawberries work best, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Q5: Can I use a different glaze?
A5: Absolutely! You could make a cream cheese glaze or even a strawberry glaze if you want to change things up.

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check for any additional adjustments based on the flour blend you use.

Q7: Can I add other fruits to this cake?
A7: Yes! Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries to give it a unique twist.

Q8: How long should I bake the cake?
A8: Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Q9: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A9: If you prefer a thicker glaze, just add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Q10: Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
A10: Yes, you can use a cream cheese frosting or whipped cream if you prefer a different topping!

Conclusion

This Strawberry Limeade Cake is the perfect combination of fresh fruit, bright citrus, and moist, tender cake—everything you could want in a dessert. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to welcome the warmer months. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to make every bite feel like a celebration. Enjoy!

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