Super Easy Lemonade Cake

Super Easy Lemonade Cake is the perfect refreshing dessert for any occasion. With its light and moist texture, this cake is bursting with sweet lemonade flavor, topped with a creamy frosting that adds the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for summer gatherings or just a sweet treat to enjoy on a warm day, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemonade cake is the ultimate blend of tart and sweet, thanks to the lemonade concentrate in both the cake and frosting. It’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few ingredients, and it’s sure to impress with its bright, tangy flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or bringing a dessert to a potluck, this cake is the perfect way to add a refreshing twist to your dessert table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:
1 box (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 cup powdered sugar

For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
Pinch of salt

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs according to the package instructions.

3. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan.

4. Bake for 28–33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.

5. Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup lemonade concentrate and 1 cup powdered sugar.

7. Pour the lemonade mixture evenly over the cake and let it soak in as the cake cools to room temperature.

8. Cover the cake and refrigerate for about 1 hour to chill.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemonade concentrate, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

3. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 16 servings and takes about 55 minutes in total—25 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking time.

Variations

• Add zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake or frosting.

• Add fruit: Top the frosted cake with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added color and freshness.

• Make it a layered cake: Bake the cake in two round pans and layer it for a more dramatic presentation.

• Lemon glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the frosted cake for even more lemony goodness.

• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for a vegan version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This cake is best served chilled, so be sure to refrigerate it after serving. You can also freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add the frosting just before serving.

Can I use fresh lemonade instead of concentrate?

Yes, but frozen lemonade concentrate adds a stronger flavor and ensures the cake remains moist.

Is this recipe customizable?

Absolutely! Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for a touch of sweetness or mix in some lemon curd for extra lemon flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re unsure, let it bake for a few extra minutes.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

If you prefer a whipped cream topping, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with sweetened whipped cream for a lighter option.

How long does it take for the cake to cool?

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before poking holes and pouring the lemonade mixture on top. After that, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for 1 hour.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While this recipe is best with lemon cake mix, you could experiment with other citrus-flavored mixes, such as lime or orange cake mix.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Frost it after thawing.

Conclusion

Super Easy Lemonade Cake is a perfect dessert for those who love refreshing citrus flavors. With its moist texture and creamy frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion. This cake is light, sweet, and bursting with lemonade goodness, making it the perfect treat for summer!

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