There’s something magical about the way lemon brightens up a dessert. It doesn’t just add flavor—it adds feeling. Picture a warm summer day, the sound of ice clinking in a tall glass of lemonade, and the soft hum of conversation on a sun-drenched porch. That’s the mood baked into this Lemonade Cake That’s Bursting with Sunshine.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a cheerful pick-me-up after a long week, this cake delivers. It’s light but luscious, citrusy without being sour, and sweet without overdoing it. This is the kind of dessert that doesn’t just satisfy—it uplifts. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’ve never baked before.
If you love recipes that feel homemade but don’t keep you trapped in the kitchen all day, this lemonade cake is about to become your go-to sunshine in a slice.
1️⃣ Key Features of Lemonade Cake
- 🟡 Bright Lemon Flavor from lemonade concentrate and lemon pudding mix.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes from scratch.
- 🍰 One-Bowl Recipe – Less cleanup, more cake.
- 👩🍳 Beginner Friendly – No special tools or techniques needed.
- 🌼 Perfect for Any Occasion – From brunch tables to baby showers.
2️⃣ What Makes This Cake Unique?
While lemon cake recipes are common, this lemonade cake stands out because it combines two nostalgic elements:
- Lemonade concentrate – the tangy sweetness of real lemonade in every bite.
- Boxed cake mix + pudding – gives you a fluffy, tender crumb that holds moisture perfectly.
This hybrid approach means you get all the feel-good flavor of grandma’s baking with modern-day ease. It’s not just lemon cake—it’s lemonade cake. There’s a difference, and once you taste it, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
3️⃣ Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this citrusy dream:
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 1 box white or yellow cake mix | Provides structure and makes baking effortless. |
| 1 small box lemon instant pudding mix | Adds moisture and enhances lemon flavor. |
| 3/4 cup lemonade concentrate (thawed) | Brings bold citrus tang—don’t use fresh lemonade! |
| 1/2 cup vegetable oil | Keeps the cake soft and tender. |
| 4 large eggs | Helps bind everything and gives the cake its bounce. |
💡 Optional: Add 1 tsp lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus!
4️⃣ Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a sunshine-slice ready in no time.
🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
🥣 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and pudding powder until evenly combined.
🧃 Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the lemonade concentrate, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Use a hand mixer if you like, but a whisk or spatula works fine.
🍋 Step 4: Pour & Smooth
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the surface. It should be thick and golden.
⏲️ Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
❄️ Step 6: Cool Completely
Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then allow to cool completely before frosting or slicing.
5️⃣ Tips for Baking Success
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They mix better and help the cake rise evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Check Early: Oven temperatures vary, so check at the 25-minute mark.
- Skip the Glaze (If You Want): This cake is flavorful enough on its own.
6️⃣ Fun Variations to Try
- 🍓 Strawberry Lemonade Cake: Add 1/2 cup chopped strawberries to the batter.
- 🌸 Pink Lemonade Version: Use pink lemonade concentrate for a pastel twist.
- 🫐 Blueberry-Lemon Cake: Fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
7️⃣ How to Make a Lemonade Glaze
🍋 Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemonade concentrate
👩🍳 Instructions:
Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake. Add more sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemonade for a thinner drizzle.
8️⃣ Decorating Ideas
- 🍋 Thin lemon slices on top
- 🌿 A sprinkle of lemon zest and mint leaves
- 🧁 Turn it into cupcakes with piped glaze or whipped topping
9️⃣ Serving Suggestions
- Summer BBQs – A refreshing dessert after grilled meals.
- Afternoon Tea – Serve with iced tea and fresh fruit.
- Birthday Parties – Add sprinkles or edible flowers for a festive look.
- Picnics – Slice and pack in a container for an easy outdoor treat.
🔟 Storing and Freezing
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days. Bonus: the cool temp enhances the citrusy tang.
- Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
1️⃣1️⃣ Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake a day before and store it covered (without glaze).
- Freeze unfrosted cake and make glaze fresh after thawing.
- Prep dry mix (cake mix + pudding) and store in a jar for quick assembly later.
1️⃣2️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using fresh lemonade instead of concentrate—results in a weak lemon flavor.
- ❌ Overbaking—will dry out the cake.
- ❌ Not letting the cake cool—glaze will melt and become messy.
- ❌ Skipping the pudding mix—loses richness and moisture.
1️⃣3️⃣ Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 285
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Cholesterol: 47mg
📌 Note: Values may vary based on brands and ingredients used.
1️⃣4️⃣ Why Lemonade Cake is Perfect Year-Round
- Spring: Light enough for brunch or Easter tables.
- Summer: Bright and citrusy—pairs well with grilled food and outdoor meals.
- Fall/Winter: A refreshing contrast to rich, chocolatey desserts.
Whether it’s July heat or a December afternoon, this cake feels like sunshine no matter the season.
1️⃣5️⃣ FAQs About Lemonade Cake
Q: Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade concentrate?
A: No. Fresh juice lacks the sugar and intensity needed for the flavor profile.
Q: Can I turn this into cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes and use liners.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your pudding is also GF.
Q: What frosting goes best with this cake?
A: Lemon glaze or whipped cream cheese frosting both work wonderfully.
1️⃣6️⃣ More Sweet Easy Recipes to Try
- 🍍 Pineapple Condensed Milk Cake – Moist, tropical, and beginner-friendly.
- 🎂 Cake Pops Made with Cake Mix – Fun for kids and parties.
- ☕ Coffee Chocolate Cake – Rich and indulgent for dessert lovers.
- 🍪 Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes – A Southern staple that never fails.
1️⃣7️⃣ Printable Recipe Card
(Click “Print” on your browser or copy into your notes for easy access)
Lemonade Cake That’s Bursting with Sunshine
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25–30 min
Total Time: 35–40 min
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- 1 small box lemon pudding mix
- 3/4 cup lemonade concentrate
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9×13 pan.
- Mix cake mix + pudding. Add lemonade, oil, eggs. Stir until smooth.
- Pour into pan. Bake 25–30 mins or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely. Top with glaze or serve plain.
1️⃣8️⃣ Final Thoughts
There are cakes that satisfy a sweet tooth… and then there’s Lemonade Cake That’s Bursting with Sunshine—a cake that lifts your spirit. Its nostalgic flavor, cheerful look, and no-fuss method make it one of the best sweet easy recipes you’ll ever add to your collection.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a craving, or just for the fun of it, this lemonade cake is proof that sunshine doesn’t only come from the sky—it can come from your oven, too.
