There is something incredibly joyful about the combination of bright, fresh strawberries and zesty lime, especially when transformed into a luscious dessert like this Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe. This cake is a celebration of summer’s best flavors, with moist strawberry layers bursting with juicy fruit and a tangy lime frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness. It’s a fun twist on a classic strawberry cake that will have everyone asking for seconds and wondering how you made something so delightfully refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a picnic, or just because you crave a slice of sunshine, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to bringing out the vibrant flavors and delightful texture of this cake. Each component, from the strawberry cake mix to the fresh lime juice, plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Strawberry cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base that gives the cake its irresistible strawberry flavor and tender crumb.
- Water (1 cup): Moistens the cake batter to keep it light and fluffy.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps the cake stay soft.
- Eggs (3 large): Vital for structure and a silky texture in the cake layers.
- Lime zest (zest of 1 lime): Adds aromatic citrus notes that energize the cake.
- Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup + 1/4 cup for frosting): Brings a bright acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, finely chopped or pureed): Infuses fresh fruity flavor and delightful bits of strawberry throughout the cake.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Essential for a creamy, smooth frosting base.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds tanginess and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3-4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with warm, sweet undertones.
- Pinch of salt: Balances flavors and deepens sweetness.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional): For garnishing, adding a gorgeous fresh touch to the finished cake.
How to Make Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 9-inch cake pans by greasing them well or lining with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your cakes come out perfectly formed and ready for the next steps.
Step 2: 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 and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and silky. This ensures a light texture and evenly incorporated ingredients.
Step 3: Add Zest, Juice, and Fresh Strawberries
Gently fold in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and finely chopped or pureed strawberries into the batter. These fresh add-ins will give your cake that unmistakable zing and juicy bursts in every bite.
Step 4: Divide Batter and Bake
Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops so they bake evenly. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Lime Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 3 to 4 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to achieve a fluffy texture.
Step 6: Flavor the Frosting
Add fresh lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to your frosting mixture. Beat everything together until fully incorporated and creamy. If the frosting feels too thick, a tablespoon of milk will help thin it to the perfect consistency for spreading.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top before carefully placing the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake evenly with the remaining frosting for a beautiful, irresistible finish.
Step 8: Garnish and Chill
Finish the Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe by decorating the top with fresh strawberry slices and additional lime zest if desired. For best flavor and texture, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberry slices and lime zest not only look stunning but also add an extra pop of bright flavor that complements the cake’s layers beautifully. Sprinkle some edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch at special occasions.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light, tart sorbet to keep the citrus notes shining. For a casual gathering, serve it alongside fresh berries or a bright mixed green salad with citrus dressing to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, try layering the cake in a trifle bowl with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Or slice the cake into petite, individual servings and add a mint leaf garnish on top for a charming party-ready presentation. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make this cake a centerpiece wherever it’s served.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and prevents the cake from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for later, freeze it without frosting or assembled in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then frost fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. Instead, bring refrigerated cake slices to room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying to allow the flavors and textures to shine.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lime juice instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Fresh lime juice adds the brightest, most natural citrus flavor, which is exactly what makes this Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe stand out. It’s worth the extra squeeze.
What if I don’t have a boxed strawberry cake mix?
You can definitely make your own strawberry cake from scratch for a homemade touch, but using the box mix keeps things simple and ensures consistent, moist results every time.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Try reducing the powdered sugar gradually and adding more cream cheese or a little fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness without losing that creamy texture.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key here for its tartness and creaminess, but you could experiment with mascarpone or Greek yogurt frosting, keeping in mind these will affect texture and tanginess differently.
Is this cake suitable for a large gathering?
Definitely! This Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe yields about 8 to 10 servings, but you can easily double the recipe for a bigger crowd or make multiple cakes to stack for an impressive tiered dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh, summery flavors into your kitchen. With its moist strawberry layers and zesty lime cream cheese frosting, it’s a slice of happiness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this joyful, vibrant cake with your family and friends — it’s sure to become a treasured favorite!
Print
Strawberry Limeade Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Limeade Cake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert combining the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries and lime. Made with a strawberry cake mix and fresh ingredients, it’s layered with a creamy lime-infused cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for spring and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
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 for a smoother texture)
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 tbsp milk (to thin frosting if necessary)
Garnish:
- Fresh strawberry slices (optional)
- Extra lime zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Add Lime and Strawberries: Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and finely chopped or pureed fresh strawberries gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Cake Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for an even bake.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Carefully transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding.
- Make Frosting Base: In a clean, large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and at your desired sweetness and thickness.
- 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 thin it for easier spreading.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, decorate with fresh strawberry slices and extra lime zest for a beautiful finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother cake texture, puree the fresh strawberries before adding them to the batter.
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually until it thickens.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best bright, citrus flavor.
- This cake stores well covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
