Pink Lemonade Cake Recipe
This Pink Lemonade Cake is a delightful and vibrant dessert that combines zesty lemon flavor with a sweet, creamy buttercream tinted a soft pink. Moist layers of lemon-infused cake are filled with raspberry jam and frosted with a tangy lemon buttercream, making it perfect for celebrations or a refreshing treat.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
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
Filling and Garnish
- 100g (3.5oz) raspberry jam
- 3 frozen raspberries (crushed)
- ½ lemon, cut into thin slices
- Prepare the cake batter: Preheat your oven to 130°C (266°F) and line two 6-inch round cake tins with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, bicarb soda, and caster sugar using an electric mixer to ensure even distribution.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate jug, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Combine butter and dry mix: Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and beat until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, creating a crumbly texture before incorporating liquids.
- Add wet ingredients gradually: Slowly incorporate the buttermilk, eggs, and lemon zest mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat the butter on medium-high speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, starting at low speed then increasing to medium-high speed until fully incorporated.
- Add flavor and color: Mix in lemon juice, citric acid, and a small amount of pink food coloring. Continue beating for 4–5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or board. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge and fill the center with raspberry jam.
- Layer and set crumb coat: Place the second cake layer on top and gently press to secure. Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.
- Final frosting and garnish: Apply the remaining buttercream smoothly over the cake. Decorate the top with crushed raspberries and thin lemon slices for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- The cake tins should be lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and texture.
- The baking temperature is relatively low and slow to create a tender crumb.
- If you cannot find citric acid, you can omit it; the lemon juice will still provide sufficient tang.
- Adjust the amount of pink food coloring according to your desired shade—start with a few drops.
- For best results, chill the cake after applying the crumb coat before the final frosting.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Pink lemonade cake, lemon cake, buttercream frosting, raspberry jam filling, lemon zest dessert, pink food coloring cake