Description
Sweet strawberry limeade cake brings zesty summer vibes straight from Southern kitchens, blending tangy lime with luscious strawberry flavors. Creamy frosting and fresh ingredients create a delightful dessert you’ll crave at every backyard gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) strawberry puree
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside this dry mixture.
- Cream butter and sugar in a separate large bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Mix in lime zest and vanilla extract to enhance flavor complexity.
- Gently fold lime juice, milk, and strawberry puree into the creamy base, creating a smooth, vibrant batter.
- Gradually integrate dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
- Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, ensuring uniform depth for consistent baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Craft frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky and uniform in texture.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Enhance frosting with strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and optional lime zest for additional depth.
- Position first cake layer on serving plate and generously spread frosting across the surface.
- Carefully place second cake layer on top, then evenly frost entire cake exterior.
- Optionally decorate with fresh strawberry slices and lime garnishes to elevate presentation.
Notes
- Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the cake’s moisture and texture.
- Reduce sugar content by using fresh strawberry puree instead of additional sweeteners, balancing natural fruit sugars.
- Fold in finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter for extra bursts of fruity flavor and added texture.
- Chill cream cheese frosting for 15 minutes before spreading to achieve smoother, more stable cake decoration.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 456 kcal
- Sugar: 48 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg