Name: Pink Lemonade Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour (can be made at home); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda; 185 grams caster or superfine sugar; 230 grams butter, softened; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large lemon, zest (finely grated); 1/4 cup lemonade flavouring or lemon juice; 180 grams butter (room temperature); 600 grams icing sugar (sifted); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon citric acid (found in baking section); 100 grams raspberry jam; 3 frozen raspberries; 1/2 lemon lemon (cut into thin slices)

Introduction to Pink Lemonade Cake Recipe

If you’re a young professional looking to impress friends at casual gatherings or need a sweet pick-me-up during a hectic week, a pink lemonade cake is a delightful choice. This cake not only tastes refreshingly zesty but also puts a playful twist on traditional desserts. As you navigate through the workweek, having a fun and vibrant treat at your fingertips can be just what you need to lift your spirits.

Why a Pink Lemonade Cake is Ideal for Young Professionals

Effortless Elegance: One of the best parts of the pink lemonade cake recipe is its ability to elevate any occasion without requiring extensive baking expertise. The cake looks stunning with minimal effort, making it perfect for entertaining.
Colorful Appeal: Imagine serving a cake that bursts with color, enveloped in fluffy pink frosting and garnished with fresh raspberries. It’s sure to grab your guests’ attention and make your gathering memorable.
Fresh and Fruity Flavor: With a bright lemon zest and a hint of sweetness from the pink frosting, this cake is refreshing enough to enjoy year-round, whether at summer picnics or cozy winter gatherings.

Ready to bring this cheerful cake to life? Let’s dive into the pink lemonade cake recipe and start baking! You can find the full recipe and additional tips here.

Ingredients for Pink Lemonade Cake

When it comes to baking this delightful Pink Lemonade Cake, having the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to whip up this vibrant treat!

Essential Ingredients for the Cake

For the cake itself, gather the following:

2 cups (300g) cake flour (you can make this at home by mixing all-purpose flour with cornflour)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarb soda
185g (6oz) caster sugar
230g (8oz) butter, softened
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
Finely grated zest from 1 large lemon
Lemonade flavoring or ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice

Ingredients for the Frosting

Now, let’s not forget the frosting that makes this cake extra special. You’ll need:

180g (6oz) butter, at room temperature
600g (21oz) icing sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pink food coloring
1 teaspoon citric acid
100g (3.5oz) raspberry jam
3 frozen raspberries
Half a lemon, cut into thin slices

With these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re on your way to creating a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any celebration! For more tips on preparation, check out this helpful baking guide. Enjoy baking!

Preparing Pink Lemonade Cake

Baking a delightful pink lemonade cake is like bringing a slice of summer to your table any time of the year. This cheerful dessert is not only visually stunning but also packed with a refreshing burst of citrus flavor. Let’s walk through the steps to create a beautiful pink lemonade cake that will impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before diving into baking, make sure you have everything you need ready and at hand. This means checking your pantry for the following key ingredients:

2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarb soda
185g caster sugar
230g softened butter
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
Lemon zest and lemonade flavoring or lemon juice
For the frosting: butter, icing sugar, lemon juice, pink food coloring, citric acid, and raspberry jam

You’ll also want to gather your baking tools: mixing bowls, measuring cups, an electric mixer, parchment paper, two 6-inch round cake tins, and a cooling rack. Having everything lined up will ensure a smooth baking experience!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients Together

Start by preheating your oven to 130C/266F — a very low heat to bake your layers gently. Next, line your cake tins with parchment paper. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, bicarb soda, and caster sugar. Whisk these ingredients together, ensuring they are well mixed. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture in your cake layers.

Step 3: Create the Cake Batter with Wet Ingredients

In another jug, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, lemon zest, and your choice of lemonade flavoring or lemon juice. Once combined, gradually incorporate the softened butter to the dry mixture until smooth. Carefully mix in the egg and buttermilk blend to form a rich batter. This is the moment your kitchen should start smelling divine!

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers to Perfection

Divide the batter equally between the prepared tins and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake the cake layers for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched in the center. Once baked, allow them to cool completely in the tins before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting While the Cake Cools

While your cakes cool, whip up the frosting! Start by beating the butter until smooth. Gradually add in the sifted icing sugar, then incorporate the lemon juice and pink food coloring, mixing until fluffy. This process adds a beautiful swirl of color and zest to your cake, enhancing the entire baking experience.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Now comes the fun part — assembly! Place one cake layer on your serving plate, pipe circles of frosting on top, and fill the gaps with raspberry jam for a delightful surprise. Carefully place the second layer on top, then generously frost the outer layer of the cake. You can get creative by decorating the top with swirls or even frozen raspberries and lemon slices for that extra flair.

And there you have it! Your pink lemonade cake is now ready to shine at your next gathering. Enjoy the process, embrace the mess, and relish every bite of this delightful creation.

Variations on Pink Lemonade Cake

Creative add-ins for a unique twist

Put a fun spin on your pink lemonade cake recipe with some imaginative add-ins! Consider folding in fresh berries, like blueberries or strawberries, for a pop of flavor and color. Alternatively, you could sprinkle in some poppy seeds for that delightful crunch and visual appeal. Unsweetened coconut flakes can also add a tropical vibe, perfectly balancing the tartness of the lemon.

Alternate frosting ideas

Want to switch up the frosting? Try a lightened lemon cream cheese frosting for a tangy complement to your cake or opt for a strawberry buttercream for a sweeter twist. For a refreshing touch, a whipped coconut cream topping can provide that luscious texture without the heaviness. Don't hesitate to experiment with different fruit jams inside the layers for an unexpected burst of flavor!

For more inspiration, check out these frosting ideas to elevate your cake.

Baking Tips and Notes for Pink Lemonade Cake

Ensuring a Moist Cake

To guarantee a delectably moist pink lemonade cake, it's vital to use room temperature ingredients, particularly eggs and butter. This allows for a smoother batter that traps air and results in fluffier cakes. Also, incorporating buttermilk not only enhances moisture but also adds a delightful tang. Consider underbaking slightly; the cakes will continue cooking as they cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense texture. Remember to carefully measure ingredients, as precision is key in baking. Using standard all-purpose flour instead of cake flour can lead to a heavier cake, so swap it if possible. Lastly, resist the temptation to skip the cooling step—frosting a warm cake can melt your efforts into a sugary mess!

Serving Suggestions for Pink Lemonade Cake

Perfect pairings for your cake

When indulging in a delightful slice of pink lemonade cake, consider complementing it with a scoop of lemon sorbet or a fresh berry salad. The citrus notes in the cake pair beautifully with the coolness of the sorbet, while the berries enhance its sweetness. For beverages, serve it alongside iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon for a refreshing treat.

Ideal occasions to showcase your cake

This pink lemonade cake recipe is a perfect centerpiece for a variety of events! Think summer barbecues, bridal showers, and birthday parties - its vibrant color and light flavor make it a go-to choice for celebrations. It’s casual yet elegant enough for a garden party or even a casual afternoon get-together with friends. The versatility of this cake will surely impress your guests and brighten up any occasion.

For more dessert ideas that complement seasonal gatherings, check out The Spruce Eats for inspiration!

Time Details for Pink Lemonade Cake

Preparation Time

Getting your kitchen ready for this delightful pink lemonade cake recipe will take about 45 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, mixing your batter, and prepping your cake pans.

Baking Time

Once your batter is ready and divided between the cake pans, it will need 40 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—your cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched.

Total Time Needed

Altogether, you’ll need around 1 hour and 25 minutes to create this lovely cake, plus any additional time for cooling before frosting. Don’t rush; let it cool completely for the best results! If you’re curious about baking tips, you can check out resources on Food Network’s baking guide.

Nutritional Information for Pink Lemonade Cake

Calories

A delightful slice of this pink lemonade cake packs in approximately 350 calories. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your day!

Key Nutrients

Each serving provides a burst of energy with essential nutrients such as:

Carbohydrates: A fantastic fuel for any busy schedule.
Fats: Mostly from the butter, contributing to a rich flavor and texture.
Proteins: Thanks to the eggs, which also help with that delightful cake structure.

Serving Size Insights

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, making it great for small gatherings or a treat for the week. Consider slicing it into smaller pieces if you're looking to indulge without overdoing it. And remember, sharing is caring!

For more detailed insights on baking and nutrition, check out the USDA Food Composition Database for comprehensive information.

FAQs about Pink Lemonade Cake

How can I make the cake more lemony?

If you're dreaming of an extra zesty flavor in your pink lemonade cake, try adding more lemon juice or zest. You can increase the lemon juice to ⅓ cup for a stronger punch. Alternatively, boost the lemonade flavoring if you’re using that option. Freshly squeezed lemon juice really enhances the taste, so don’t hesitate to zest up!

What substitutes can I use for ingredients?

Stuck without buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For cake flour, mix all-purpose flour with cornstarch as noted in the recipe. You can also swap out the raspberry jam with any fruit preserves you have on hand. Just remember, while substitutions can work, they may tweak the flavor a bit.

How should I store my leftover cake?

To keep your pink lemonade cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing slices. When you're ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture. There's nothing quite like that refreshing taste, even days later!

Conclusion on Pink Lemonade Cake Recipe

In summary, this pink lemonade cake recipe is a delightful way to treat yourself and impress your friends. Its fresh lemon flavor and beautiful pink frosting make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures on social media! Happy baking!