Brighten your summer days with the Strawberry Limeade Cake! Combining the tartness of limes and the sweetness of strawberries, this moist and zesty cake is ideal for any summer celebration or simply as a refreshing treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Cake Flour: 2 1/2 cups
- Baking Powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons
- Salted Butter: 1 stick
- Lime Zest: 2 tablespoons, freshly grated
- Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 3 large
- Egg Yolks: 3 large
- Whole Milk: 1/2 cup
- Lime Juice: 1/2 cup, freshly squeezed
- Green Food Coloring: 2-4 drops (optional)
For the Frosting:
- Salted Butter: 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons)
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
- Frozen Sweetened Strawberries in Syrup: 1/2 cup, thawed and pureed
- Powdered Sugar: 5-6 cups
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and lime zest until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Stir in the lime juice.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in green food coloring if desired.
- Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 7 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the strawberry puree until incorporated. Gradually add 5 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low until combined, then on high for one minute. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Level the cooled cakes with a serrated knife. Place one layer on your cake stand and generously frost the top. Place the second layer on top and apply a crumb coat to the entire cake.
- Chill the cake briefly in the refrigerator to set the crumb coat, then apply the final layer of frosting.
- Garnish with lime zest and additional strawberries if desired.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Additional Tips:
- Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to ensure it remains moist and doesn’t overcook.
- For an extra kick of flavor, brush the cake layers with additional lime juice before assembling.
- If you want a bolder presentation, use more lime zest and fresh strawberries to decorate the cake.
Conclusion: This Strawberry Limeade Cake offers a delightful twist on traditional summer desserts. With its vibrant flavors and eye-catching appearance, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tart in this exquisite summer treat! 🎂🌞