Luscious Citrus Party Cake

As seen on: Refreshing Drink Recipes

Brighten up your day with these soft layers bursting with pink lemonade goodness. It's got all that summer flavor with real concentrate plus dreamy whipped cream on top.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Fri, 23 May 2025 23:35:09 GMT
On a plate there's a slice of pink-iced layer cake with fluffy sponge, plus some lemons in the background for a sunny vibe. Save this
On a plate there's a slice of pink-iced layer cake with fluffy sponge, plus some lemons in the background for a sunny vibe. | emilyscooks.com

I can't wait for you to try making this Pink Lemonade Cake! It's the taste of summer—zesty, so bright, and that pretty pink look always surprises people. Each bite is light as air and super refreshing. With the tang of lemonade and fluffy whipped frosting, it's a real crowd-pleaser for hot days.

Irresistible Summer Treat

This cake really shines because it's got that just-right sweet and tart bite you find in real lemonade. Pink lemonade and fresh lemon zest make it zingy and bold, but still soft and delicate. The whipped cream on top? Dreamy! I whip this one up for all my sunny weather hangouts.

Kitchen Prep List

  • Frosting: Chilled heavy cream, Some powdered sugar, Lemon slices for the top
  • Cake: Sifted all-purpose flour, A dash of salt, Baking powder (grab a new can!), Granulated sugar, Butter brought to room temp, Egg whites to make it light, Room temp milk, Pink lemonade concentrate that's been thawed, Lemon zest, Pure vanilla, Pink food dye if you're after an extra pop

Easy Baking Walkthrough

Prep First:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F then get the pans greased and ready.
Pile On The Dry Stuff:
In a bowl whisk up salt flour and baking powder.
Cream It Up:
Mix sugar and butter till they're soft and pale adding egg whites slowly as you go.
Pour In The Flavors:
Stir lemonade concentrate milk vanilla and zest together.
Combine Everything:
Add the dry and wet pieces bit by bit till just mixed and smooth.
Bake It Off:
Batter in pans into the oven for 25-30 minutes till a toothpick comes out clean.
Top It Off:
Spread on your whipped cream frost the layers and finish with fresh lemon on top.

How To Store

This cake keeps nicely in the fridge around three days. I find it easier to bake the layers early and frost just before it hits the table. Take it out a bit before eating so the flavors really come alive.

Fun Twists

Add some fresh berries between the layers for a lovely pop of color and flavor. Drizzle on a sweet lemon glaze for a boost. When I'm hosting? Sprinkle on some edible glitter—you wouldn't believe how pretty it looks!

There's a pink layered cake slice on a fancy pink plate, topped with fluffy cream and a lemon wedge. Save this
There's a pink layered cake slice on a fancy pink plate, topped with fluffy cream and a lemon wedge. | emilyscooks.com

Handy Tips

  • Layers Ahead: Make and freeze the layers so you’re ready whenever.
  • Lemonade Tips: Best to stick with concentrate for that real punch.
  • Swap The Frosting: Go for buttercream if you like things extra rich.
  • Freezer Approved: Cake layers freeze perfectly, just seal them up tight.

Common Questions

→ Why did my cake layers sink?

If you crack open the oven mid-bake, your layers might collapse. Make sure your oven's hot enough at the start, and your baking powder hasn't lost its oomph.

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can bake and wrap the layers a couple days before you need them. Hold off on the whipped cream until it's time to serve so it stays fresh.

→ Why isn't my cake pink enough?

If you're after a brighter color, a drop or two of pink food dye helps. On its own, the shade is pretty soft.

→ Can I use regular lemonade?

Pink lemonade concentrate really nails the taste and look. If you swap for plain, it won't pop with that rosy color.

→ How do I keep whipped cream stable?

Chill the cake until you're ready to eat. If you want extra hold, mix a stabilizer into your whipped cream.

Pink Lemonade

Super airy three-tiered treat jazzed up with pink lemonade concentrate and a fluffy layer of whipped cream. Just right for summer fun.

Preparation Time
35 Minutes
Cooking Time
30 Minutes
Overall Time
65 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Drinks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 20 Portions (20 cookies)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
02 items 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating.
03 items 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam.
04 items 1 teaspoon plain cornstarch.
05 items 1/2 cup soft unsalted butter.
06 items 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
07 items 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
08 items 1 large egg.
09 items 3/4 cup white sugar.
10 items 1/4 teaspoon salt.
11 items 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
12 items 1 cup almond flour.
13 items 1 1/2 cups plain flour.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Move your cookies right onto a wire rack and let them finish cooling off before eating.

Step 02

Give cookies about 5 minutes on the baking tray so they can set up.

Step 03

Pop the cookies in for 12 to 14 minutes. They'll be light golden and ready.

Step 04

Set the cookies carefully onto your lined baking tray.

Step 05

Roll those round cookies around in powdered sugar so they’re coated all over.

Step 06

Pull the dough up and around the filling until it’s hidden inside.

Step 07

Drop some jam filling into each little dent you just made.

Step 08

Scoop dough into balls and gently press your thumb in the middle.

Step 09

Blend jam, cornstarch, plus lemon juice, then warm on the stove till thick. Cool it off before you use.

Step 10

Stir in the flour mix, a bit at a time, until you get a dough.

Step 11

Crack in the egg, then splash in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 12

Beat together the softened butter with sugar so it gets fluffy and pale.

Step 13

Stir flours, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl.

Step 14

Cover a cookie tray with parchment so stuff won’t stick.

Step 15

Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) right at the start.

Extra Notes

  1. For best results, don't try to fill cookies until the jam mixture is totally cool.
  2. Swap in any jam flavor if you want to mix things up.

Essential Tools

  • Cookie trays.
  • Parchment sheets.
  • Small pot.
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer.
  • Cooling rack.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from butter.
  • Made with wheat (plain flour).
  • Has tree nuts because of almond flour.
  • Eggs are used.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat Content: 6 grams
  • Total Carbs: 22 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams