Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the fruity flavors of strawberries and lemons with the creamy goodness of cream cheese. This recipe creates a moist and flavorful strawberry cake layered with a tangy lemonade cream cheese filling, topped with cool whip and garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon slices. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or special celebration.
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 3 oz box strawberry flavored jello
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 eggs
For the Lemonade Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 8 oz pkgs cream cheese
- ¾ cup frozen lemonade concentrate
- 5 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 3.4 oz box lemon instant pudding and pie filling
- 1 8 oz container cool whip
- Optional: sliced strawberries and lemon slices
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cake mix, jello, eggs, oil, and water until well incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 39-42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the cake is still hot, poke holes with the end of a wooden spoon all over the top of the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely.
For the Lemonade Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese for 3 minutes on medium speed until creamy.
- Pour lemonade concentrate into cream cheese and beat until well blended.
- In a small mixing bowl, beat evaporated milk and pudding mix for approximately 45 seconds.
- Add pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well incorporated.
- Spoon some of the lemonade filling mixture into a sandwich baggie and cut a small opening in the corner of the baggie.
- Squeeze filling into each hole and then spread the remaining filling mixture over the top of the cake.
- Cover with plastic wrap, chill for 4 hours, and then top with cool whip and sliced strawberries and lemon wedges before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent it from melting.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to the cream cheese filling.
- Experiment with different variations by using different flavors of cake mix or pudding mix.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful fusion of fruity and creamy flavors that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its moist strawberry cake base, tangy lemonade cream cheese filling, and refreshing garnishes, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy this delicious treat at your next gathering or special occasion!
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry cake mix?
Answer: Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries for the strawberry cake mix if you prefer a more homemade touch. Simply puree fresh strawberries and use them as a replacement for the liquid in the cake mix. Adjust the amount of water accordingly to maintain the desired consistency of the batter. Keep in mind that using fresh strawberries may alter the texture and flavor slightly compared to using the cake mix, but it will still result in a deliciously fruity cake. - Can I make this cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?
Answer: Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it’s recommended to chill the cake for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cream cheese filling to set properly. Once the cake has cooled completely and the filling has been added, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can even make it a day in advance, which allows for easier preparation when planning for gatherings or events. - Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Answer: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free strawberry cake mix or by preparing a homemade gluten-free strawberry cake batter. Many brands offer gluten-free cake mixes that can be easily substituted in this recipe without compromising taste or texture. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as the lemonade concentrate, cream cheese, and pudding mix, are gluten-free or labeled as such. By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese Cake. - Can I adjust the sweetness of the cake and filling to my preference?
Answer: Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of both the cake and the filling according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add a bit more sugar to the cake batter or use a sweeter variety of strawberry cake mix. Similarly, if you find the lemonade cream cheese filling too tangy or not sweet enough, you can adjust the amount of lemonade concentrate or add a bit more powdered sugar to the filling mixture. Taste the filling as you go and adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste buds. Remember, baking is all about customization, so feel free to experiment until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors for your palate.