Strawberry Limeade Cake is a fresh, vibrant dessert that perfectly balances the zesty tang of lime with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. This cake is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you want a dessert that feels light, colorful, and refreshing. Soft lime-flavored cake layers are paired with a creamy strawberry frosting, creating a beautiful contrast in both taste and appearance.
The cake itself is moist with a slightly dense crumb that holds up well under frosting. Lime zest and juice give it a bold citrus flavor, while the strawberry frosting adds sweetness and a subtle tang thanks to the cream cheese. The result is a cake that is bright, flavorful, and visually stunning.
Ingredients
For the Lime Cake
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 3 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 2–4 drops green food coloring (optional)
For the Strawberry Frosting
- ¾ cup (12 tablespoons) salted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sweetened strawberry purée
- 5–6 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lime Zest
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and lime zest together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Lime Juice
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the egg yolks, then slowly mix in the lime juice until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients and milk alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Add food coloring if desired.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched. Avoid overbaking.
7. Cool the Cake
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5–7 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Strawberry Frosting
8. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese
In a clean bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
9. Add Strawberry Purée
Mix in the strawberry purée until fully incorporated.
10. Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar, starting with 5 cups. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more sugar if a thicker frosting is desired.
Assemble the Cake
11. Level the Cake Layers
If necessary, trim the tops of the cake layers with a serrated knife to make them flat.
12. Frost and Stack
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
13. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. For best flavor and texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Limeade Cake is a joyful combination of citrus and berry flavors that makes any occasion feel special. Its refreshing taste, soft texture, and eye-catching colors make it a perfect centerpiece dessert for warm-weather celebrations.