The Pink Lemonade Cake is the perfect dessert for bright and sunny celebrations. The cake features two layers of moist, citrus-infused cake with a burst of pink lemonade flavor. The lemon zest and pink lemonade concentrate give the cake its signature tartness, while the pink food coloring gel makes it visually stunning. The lemon cream cheese frosting complements the tangy cake with a rich, creamy texture and a hint of lemon flavor. Whether it's for a summer party or a special occasion, this cake will bring a delightful burst of color and flavor to any dessert table.
This Pink Lemonade Cake is the ultimate treat for summer celebrations. Featuring bright and zesty flavors, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. The lemony layers are paired with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting for a delightful combination of tart and sweet.
INGREDIENTS
- Cake flour: 2 ½ cups, provides a light and airy texture to the cake layers.
- Sugar: 1 ½ cups, sweetens the batter.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances the flavors in the cake.
- Baking powder: 2 ½ teaspoons, ensures the cake rises properly.
- Unsalted butter: 1 ½ sticks, softened, adds richness and moisture.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs, provide structure and richness.
- Pink lemonade concentrate: ¾ cup, thawed, gives the cake its signature tart and citrusy flavor.
- Milk: ½ cup, adds moisture to the cake.
- Lemon extract: 2 teaspoons, enhances the lemony flavor.
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon, adds freshness and a burst of citrus.
- Pink food coloring gel: For a vibrant pink hue.
- For the frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 2 sticks, softened, makes the frosting creamy and rich.
- Cream cheese: 16 oz, softened, adds a tangy and creamy element to the frosting.
- Lemon juice (optional): 2 teaspoons, for extra tartness in the frosting.
- Lemon extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the lemon flavor in the frosting.
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon, adds a fresh citrus note to the frosting.
- Confectioners' sugar: 6 to 6 ½ cups, sweetens and thickens the frosting.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8x2 inch round cake pans.
- Step 2:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, combine eggs, pink lemonade concentrate, lemon extract, lemon zest, and milk.
- Step 4:
- With the mixer on low speed, add sliced butter to the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add half of the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for 1 ½ minutes until thick and fluffy. Add pink food coloring gel to achieve a vibrant pink color.
- Step 6:
- Slowly add the remaining egg mixture in two batches, mixing for 20 seconds after each addition.
- Step 7:
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 9:
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Mix until well blended.
- Step 10:
- Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Step 11:
- Assemble the cake by layering the cake with frosting between each layer and covering the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- This cake is best served at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Helpful Notes
- You can add more or less pink food coloring depending on how vibrant you want the cake layers to be.
- If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, reduce the amount of lemon extract in the frosting.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Clara recommends sifting the confectioners' sugar before adding it to the frosting to ensure a smoother texture.
- Chef Ethan suggests using fresh, organic lemons for the zest to enhance the cake's overall citrus flavor.