The Ultimate Pink Lemonade Cake with Creamy Frosting

Light, fluffy, and full of citrusy cheer, this Pink Lemonade Cake is a refreshing twist on classic sheet cake. With a soft, lemon-flavored crumb and a sweet-tart pink glaze, it delivers the joy of a nostalgic summertime treat—just with a lighter, more mindful approach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Citrus Flavor: Bursting with real lemon and a hint of berry sweetness.
Lower in Sugar: Uses lightened ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Beautiful Presentation: Naturally pink glaze adds a playful, elegant touch.
Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, birthdays, or sunny afternoon treats.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box sugar-free vanilla or white cake mix
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/3 cup pink lemonade concentrate (thawed)
  • Zest of 1 lemon

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar substitute (like erythritol)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp pink lemonade concentrate
  • Optional: a few drops of natural red food coloring for extra pink hue

Instructions

Make the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine cake mix, applesauce, water, egg whites, pink lemonade concentrate, and lemon zest.
  • Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and airy.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool

  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and pink lemonade concentrate until smooth.
  • Drizzle evenly over the cooled cake, letting it slightly drip over the edges.

Serve

  • Slice into 12 squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 140 | Carbs: 23g | Fat: 3g | Protein: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overmix: Keep the batter light by mixing only until combined.
  • Add Extra Zing: Boost lemon flavor with a touch of fresh lemon juice in the glaze.
  • Chill Before Serving: The cake’s flavor deepens when chilled for a few hours.
  • Decorate Simply: Top with fresh berries or lemon zest for a charming finish.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses cake mix as a base for easy prep.
  • Sweet & Tart Balance: The glaze adds brightness that offsets the soft cake.
  • Feel-Good Treat: Lightened ingredients let you enjoy dessert without going overboard.

This Pink Lemonade Cake is the ultimate celebration of citrus—tangy, sweet, and pretty in pink. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, birthday, or just to brighten the week, it’s a dessert that brings smiles with every slice.

The Ultimate Pink Lemonade Cake with Creamy Frosting

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

140

kcal
Total time

40

minutes

Light, fluffy, and full of citrusy cheer, this Pink Lemonade Cake is a refreshing twist on classic sheet cake. With a soft, lemon-flavored crumb and a sweet-tart pink glaze, it delivers the joy of a nostalgic summertime treat—just with a lighter, more mindful approach.

Ingredients

  • For the Cake

  • 1 box sugar-free vanilla or white cake mix

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 3/4 cup water

  • 2 large egg whites

  • 1/3 cup pink lemonade concentrate (thawed)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar substitute (like erythritol)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp pink lemonade concentrate

  • Optional: a few drops of natural red food coloring for extra pink hue

Instructions

  • Make the Cake
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
    In a large bowl, combine cake mix, applesauce, water, egg whites, pink lemonade concentrate, and lemon zest.
    Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and airy.
    Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Glaze
    In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and pink lemonade concentrate until smooth.
    Drizzle evenly over the cooled cake, letting it slightly drip over the edges.
  • Serve
    Slice into 12 squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix: Keep the batter light by mixing only until combined.
    Add Extra Zing: Boost lemon flavor with a touch of fresh lemon juice in the glaze.
    Chill Before Serving: The cake’s flavor deepens when chilled for a few hours.
    Decorate Simply: Top with fresh berries or lemon zest for a charming finish.

Leave a Comment