Pink Lemonade Cake

This Pink Lemonade Cake is a delightful dessert bursting with fresh, tangy lemon flavor and sweet raspberry jam. Perfect for birthdays, spring parties, or any celebration, this cake features soft layers of lemon cake, vibrant pink lemonade buttercream frosting, and elegant raspberry and lemon garnishes. Its bright flavors and stunning presentation make it a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking this cake is a breeze for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet raspberry creates a refreshing taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a spring gathering, this cake fits perfectly into various celebrations.
• Stunning Presentation: The bright pink frosting and beautiful garnishes make for an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Moist and Tender: Each slice of cake is soft, moist, and full of flavor, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the essential tools ready to make your baking experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• 6-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed together.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results in your baking.

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups (300g) cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon bicarb soda
• 185g (6oz) caster or superfine sugar
• 230g (8oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
• Zest of 1 large lemon

For the Frosting

• 180g (6oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 600g (21oz) icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Pink food coloring (use sparingly)
• 1 teaspoon citric acid

For the Garnish

• 100g (3.5oz) raspberry jam
• 3 frozen raspberries (crushed)
• ½ lemon, cut into thin slices

How to Make Pink Lemonade Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Cake flour
2. Baking powder
3. Bicarb soda

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Caster sugar

Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Buttermilk

Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add buttermilk and lemon zest until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Once baked, remove from the oven. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Icing sugar

Add fresh lemon juice, citric acid, and pink food coloring until desired color is achieved.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cool:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread raspberry jam over the top.
3. Add the second layer on top.
4. Frost the top and sides with pink lemonade frosting.

Step 10: Decorate

Garnish with crushed raspberries and thin lemon slices for an elegant touch.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted Pink Lemonade Cake!

How to Serve Pink Lemonade Cake

Serving Pink Lemonade Cake is an opportunity to showcase its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. This cake can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing your dessert experience.

For Birthdays

• Decorated with Sprinkles: Top with colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
• Candle Topped: Add candles for a special birthday celebration.

At Spring Parties

• Garnished with Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh raspberries and lemon slices for an elegant touch.
• Accompanied by Lemonade: Pair slices with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade.

For Afternoon Tea

• Sliced Thinly: Serve thin slices on elegant plates alongside tea or coffee.
• With Whipped Cream: Offer a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Perfect Pink Lemonade Cake

To ensure your Pink Lemonade Cake is perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and quality butter enhance flavor and texture.
• Bold Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Bold Cool Layers Completely: Allow cake layers to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Bold Experiment with Color: Adjust the pink food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade.
• Bold Store Properly: Keep the cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Pink Lemonade Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pink Lemonade Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the cake’s flavors.
2. Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the tangy lemon cake.
3. Bold Mint Yogurt Dip: A refreshing yogurt dip with mint provides a cooling effect alongside the cake.
4. Bold Citrus Sorbet: A light citrus sorbet enhances the lemon flavor while cleansing the palate.
5. Bold Scones with Clotted Cream: Soft scones paired with rich clotted cream add a delightful texture.
6. Bold Berry Compote: A warm berry compote works well as a topping or side, enriching the dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pink Lemonade Cake can be a delightful experience, but small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the cake’s texture. Always ensure that eggs are at room temperature and butter is softened.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep your Pink Lemonade Cake light and fluffy.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour will make your cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.

• Skipping the zest: The lemon zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; it elevates the cake’s taste significantly.

• Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on baking time. Use a toothpick to test for doneness and avoid both underbaking and overbaking scenarios.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Pink Lemonade Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pink Lemonade Cake

• item To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pink Lemonade Cake

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
• item Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per slice, checking often.
• item Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pink Lemonade Cake different from regular lemon cake?

Pink Lemonade Cake combines lemon flavor with raspberry jam and pink food coloring, creating a unique twist that enhances its taste and appearance.

Can I use fresh lemons instead of bottled juice?

Yes, using fresh lemon juice will enhance the flavor of your Pink Lemonade Cake even more! Just make sure to measure carefully.

How can I customize my Pink Lemonade Cake?

You can add different fruit jams or adjust the frosting color. Consider adding lemon curd between layers for an extra zing!

Is there a vegan option for Pink Lemonade Cake?

Absolutely! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use dairy-free butter or plant-based yogurt for moisture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake layers in advance and frost them closer to serving time for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Pink Lemonade Cake is not only visually stunning but also offers a delicious burst of citrusy flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste, making it suitable for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!