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Dreamy Pink Lemonade Layer Cake Recipe with Easy Cloud Frosting Swirls

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A refreshing and moist pink lemonade layer cake with light, airy cloud frosting swirls, perfect for summer parties and celebrations.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (315 g), sifted
  • Baking powder – 2 ½ tsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Unsalted butter – ¾ cup (170 g), softened (for cake layers)
  • Granulated sugar – 1 ¾ cups (350 g)
  • Large eggs – 4, room temperature
  • Pink lemonade – 1 cup (240 ml), fresh or store-bought
  • Buttermilk – ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
  • Fresh lemon zest – from 2 lemons
  • Unsalted butter – 1 cup (225 g), softened (for frosting)
  • Powdered sugar – 4 cups (480 g), sifted
  • Heavy cream – 3-4 tbsp (45-60 ml)
  • Vanilla extract – 1 ½ tsp
  • Pink food coloring – a few drops (optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat ¾ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the zest from 2 lemons and 2 tsp vanilla extract.
  6. In three parts, alternately add the dry ingredients with 1 cup pink lemonade and ½ cup buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition.
  7. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, alternating with 3-4 tbsp heavy cream.
  11. Add 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Beat on high speed until fluffy and light, about 5 minutes.
  12. Add a few drops of pink food coloring if desired, mixing gently to create swirls.
  13. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
  14. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.
  15. Pipe cloud-like swirls all around using a large star tip. Imperfections add charm.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender. Use room temperature eggs and butter for best results. Chill the cake after crumb coating to make piping frosting swirls easier. Store refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving. Frosting consistency can be adjusted with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pink lemonade cake, lemon cake, cloud frosting, summer cake, layer cake, easy cake recipe, party cake, lemon dessert

Find it online: https://milacook.com/dreamy-pink-lemonade-layer-cake-recipe-with-easy-cloud-frosting-swirls/