This Pink Lemonade Cake is a showstopper of a dessert—zesty, tart, and refreshingly sweet with the perfect pop of color! The lemon cake mix paired with pink lemonade concentrate gives it a citrusy, tangy flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The pink lemonade glaze is the finishing touch that soaks into the cake, making every bite absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s perfect for summer parties, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for something special!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Lemon Cake Mix
- 1 small box (3.4 oz) Instant Lemon Pudding Mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup pink lemonade concentrate
- Pink or red food coloring (optional, for a fun pop of color)
For the Pink Lemonade Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pink lemonade concentrate
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 10-inch Bundt pan with a thin layer of shortening and a light dusting of flour. This helps the cake come out of the pan easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and instant lemon pudding mix. Stir them together until well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the vegetable oil, whole milk, and pink lemonade concentrate to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until everything is incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to create a smooth batter.
- If you want your cake to have a pink tint, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to the batter and stir until the color is even. You can add more food coloring for a deeper pink shade if you prefer.
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake the cake according to the directions on the cake mix box, usually around 30-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
- After 10 minutes, gently turn the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Pink Lemonade Glaze:
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the pink lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to your desired level of color. This is optional but makes the glaze pop visually.
- Glaze the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to poke small holes all over the cake. This allows the glaze to soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
- Drizzle the pink lemonade glaze over the cake, letting it slowly drip down the sides and soak into the holes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely before serving. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful glossy finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
- A: Yes! You can use a vanilla cake mix if you prefer a less lemony flavor, though it won’t be as tart and citrusy. You can also experiment with lime cake mix for a more tangy citrus profile.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- A: Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered in an airtight container. Wait to glaze it until you’re ready to serve, so the glaze stays fresh and vibrant.
Q: Can I make this into cupcakes instead of a Bundt cake?
- A: Absolutely! You can make this into cupcakes by dividing the batter among cupcake liners and baking them for around 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once they’re cooled, drizzle with the glaze just like you would with the Bundt cake.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
- A: If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a regular round cake pan or even a loaf pan. The baking time will vary, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
- Tart and Sweet: The combination of lemon cake and pink lemonade glaze creates a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
- Moist and Flavorful: The cake is moist, thanks to the addition of the pudding mix, and the glaze soaks into the cake, adding extra flavor and moisture.
- Beautiful and Fun: The pink lemonade glaze not only adds delicious flavor but also gives the cake a vibrant color that’s perfect for special occasions like baby showers, birthdays, and summer parties.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this cake comes together quickly and looks like you spent hours making it.
This Pink Lemonade Cake is not just a treat—it’s a showstopper. With a refreshing citrus flavor, a gorgeous pink color, and a sweet glaze that soaks into every bite, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it for your next event, and watch it disappear in no time! 🍋💖