If you’re ever craving sunshine on a plate, the Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe will completely win you over! This cheerful dessert packs all the zingy brightness of a tall glass of lemonade into an ultra-moist, sliceable cake that’s truly the definition of summer sweetness. Both effortless and irresistible, every bite bursts with a sweet-tart lemonade flavor—thanks to clever shortcuts and those simple, familiar ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, family party, or just the sheer fun of it, you’ll love how this cake brings smiles to every table!

Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how unbelievably simple this lineup is! Each ingredient plays a special role in making your Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe as soft, lemony, and luscious as possible. Here’s what to grab at the store—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one:

Lemon Cake Mix: The ultimate shortcut for fluffy texture and a vibrant base that carries lots of citrus zing.
Water: Hydrates the batter for the perfect, light crumb—don’t overthink it, just pour and go.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps your cake extra moist and gives it that classic tender bite we all adore.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together and add both richness and structure to the cake.
Frozen Lemonade Concentrate (thawed): The secret weapon for intense lemonade flavor—fresher and bolder than typical lemon juice.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the lemonade soak create a beautiful, crackly top.
Cream Cheese (softened): The hero of your frosting, making it tangy, creamy, and utterly decadent.
Butter (softened): Brings luxurious richness and helps the frosting whip up fluffy and smooth.
Pinch of Salt: Just a little boosts all the other flavors and keeps the cake from becoming cloying—don’t skip it!

How to Make Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—nonstick spray or a little swipe of butter both work perfectly. This step ensures your cake releases with no fuss and nothing sticks behind.

Step 2: Mix Up the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs according to the package directions. Don’t be shy: mix until everything is well blended and the batter is free of lumps. The goal is a silky, sunshine-hued batter that’ll rise into a tender cake.

Step 3: Bake

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 28–33 minutes, until the top springs back when lightly tapped and a toothpick comes out (mostly) clean. A golden color and wonderful lemony scent will greet you when it’s ready. Let the cake rest for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Lemonade Soak Magic

Poke the surface of the warm cake all over with a fork—don’t be shy! Meanwhile, whisk together 1 cup of thawed lemonade concentrate and 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. Pour this bright syrup slowly over the cake, letting it seep into every nook for extra lemonade punch. Cool the cake to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for an hour so the flavor soaks in fully.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemonade Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until super light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar (start with 3 cups and add more for extra thickness) and 3 tablespoons lemonade concentrate, plus a tiny pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is irresistibly fluffy and holds peaks.

Step 6: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy

Once your cake is chilled and set, slather the frosting all over the top with a spatula. Make big swoops, spreading it generously from corner to corner. Then, slice up your Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe, serve up a fat piece, and soak in the compliments!

How to Serve Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up each piece with a thin slice of fresh lemon, a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar, or a few curls of lemon zest on top. If you’re feeling fancy, edible flowers or fresh berries absolutely pop against the pale yellow frosting. These finishing touches make your Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe look as joyful as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This vibrant cake practically begs for summery companions. Serve alongside a fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, or plate with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for melt-in-your-mouth contrast. A dollop of whipped cream is another classic move—simple, cool, and creamy.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive by cutting the cake into neat squares and placing them in colorful cupcake liners for easy serving at parties. You could also turn your Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe into a layered trifle: cube the cake and layer with frosting and berries in a glass bowl for a showstopping dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake keeps beautifully! Store slices covered in the refrigerator (or in an airtight container) for up to five days. The lemonade syrup actually helps the cake stay even moister after a day or two, so it’s just as delicious, if not more, the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for up to two months. For best results, freeze unfrosted pieces tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, then add the frosting after thawing. If you have already frosted the cake, freeze individual slices on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag to keep the frosting looking nice.

Reheating

If you enjoy your Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds before serving. This softens the frosting and revives that sunny lemon scent. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting may melt a little too much!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While lemon keeps things extra zesty, you can swap in white or even yellow cake mix with added lemon zest for a softer flavor profile. Just remember that the lemonade soak and frosting will still bring plenty of tangy lemon charm.

Is there a substitute for frozen lemonade concentrate?

If you have trouble finding frozen lemonade concentrate, you can make your own by boiling down fresh lemon juice with sugar until thick, but the frozen concentrate creates the boldest flavor and the right consistency for soaking and frosting.

Do I have to refrigerate the cake?

Yes, since the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, it’s safest to keep your Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe in the fridge. Chilling also lets the flavors meld and keeps the texture dreamy.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making this cake a day before serving is ideal—the lemonade soak works its magic overnight, making each bite extra moist and punchy. Just frost on the day you plan to serve for the freshest look.

How do I get the smoothest, fluffiest frosting?

Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before beating them together. Add powdered sugar slowly and taste as you go, whipping until you see fluffy peaks and a smooth texture that spreads easily.

Final Thoughts

If you want to capture the nostalgia and joy of summer in one sweet slice, this Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe is a must-bake. With its simple steps and irresistible flavor, you’ll find yourself adding it to every warm-weather celebration—or making up excuses just to sneak another bite. I hope you enjoy sharing it with all your favorite people!

Super Easy Lemonade Cake Recipe