Pink Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe

Let me introduce you to your new sunny favorite: Pink Lemonade Pound Cake! With its cheerful color, punchy sweet-tart flavor, and glossy pink glaze, this cake instantly brightens up any celebration (or even a regular afternoon). If you love the playful zing of lemonade and crave the richness of a classic pound cake, this recipe brings it all together in the easiest way imaginable. Get ready, because you’re about to fall in love with every citrusy, velvety bite of this Pink Lemonade Pound Cake.

Pink Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pink Lemonade Pound Cake lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, moistness, or that vibrant color that makes slicing into this cake feel like unveiling a summertime treat. Don’t skip or substitute—the synergy is what makes this cake unforgettable!

  • Lemon Cake Mix: Packs in big, bright lemon flavor right from the start, providing our base for the cake and plenty of tang.
  • Instant Lemon Pudding Mix: Adds extra moistness and a custardy texture to each bite, making the crumb extraordinarily rich.
  • Large Eggs: Deliver structure and help thicken the batter so the pound cake bakes up dense but soft.
  • Pink Lemonade Concentrate (thawed): The star of the show—this gives both color and that signature sweet-tart pop in every slice and in the glaze.
  • Vegetable Oil: Makes the cake tender and keeps it fresh longer than butter alone would.
  • Water: Loosens the batter just enough for that gorgeous, pourable consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: The base for our dreamy pink glaze—choose a fine, lump-free sugar for best finish.
  • More Pink Lemonade Concentrate (for glaze): Intensifies the citrus flavor and gives the glaze its gorgeous pink hue.

How to Make Pink Lemonade Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and show your Bundt or tube pan some love by greasing and flouring it really well. This ensures your Pink Lemonade Pound Cake will pop out smoothly, preserving all those pretty details.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the lemon cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, eggs, pink lemonade concentrate, vegetable oil, and water. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes—this helps the batter get silky smooth, with all the zest and color beautifully blended.

Step 3: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. The color already looks so inviting, and that fragrance—so zingy and sweet!

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine!). Your kitchen will fill with the scent of fresh lemonade.

Step 5: Cool and Unmold

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps it firm up enough to turn out easily. Invert onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before glazing, so the topping doesn’t slide right off.

Step 6: Glaze Your Cake

Once the cake is cool, whisk together powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of pink lemonade concentrate in a small bowl. Drizzle the glossy pink glaze over the cake, letting it cascade down the ridges—absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Pink Lemonade Pound Cake

Pink Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a showstopper presentation, add a scattering of lemon zest, thin lemon slices, or even edible flower petals. A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries would look just as stunning and add an extra pop of color alongside that beautiful pink glaze.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pink Lemonade Pound Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a bowl of lightly sweetened berries. For brunch, set out some lemon curd or chantilly cream for guests to spoon over their slices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into elegant wedges or individual servings, and layering them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit for a trifle twist. Or serve mini slices on a tiered platter—perfect for tea parties and showers where the Pink Lemonade Pound Cake gets to be the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Pink Lemonade Pound Cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to three days—or a couple extra days in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap unglazed cake slices or whole cakes in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze fresh before serving for that just-made taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your Pink Lemonade Pound Cake warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The glaze will soften and the flavor blossoms—perfect for impromptu indulgence or unexpected guests.

FAQs

Can I make Pink Lemonade Pound Cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade lemon pound cake batter as a base—just be sure to add the pink lemonade concentrate and a little extra sugar to match the sweet-tart balance.

What can I use if I can’t find pink lemonade concentrate?

If pink lemonade concentrate isn’t available, use regular lemonade concentrate and add a drop or two of red food coloring for that rosy look. You can also try a blend of fresh lemon juice and a splash of cranberry or raspberry juice for both flavor and color.

Do I have to use a Bundt or tube pan?

While the traditional Bundt pan is classic for this recipe, you can absolutely use a loaf or round cake pan—just check doneness around the 35-minute mark, as baking times may vary.

Can I double the glaze for extra drizzle?

Go for it! If you’re a glaze enthusiast, doubling the recipe means every bite is lusciously coated and perfect for those who love a little extra sweetness.

Is Pink Lemonade Pound Cake good for making ahead for parties?

Yes! This cake is perfect for making a day ahead—the flavors meld and the crumb stays moist. Add the glaze just before your guests arrive for the freshest finish.

Final Thoughts

Bring a little sunshine into your kitchen and give Pink Lemonade Pound Cake a try! From its zesty flavor and rich crumb to its cheery pink glaze, this cake is bound to put smiles on faces and have everyone reaching for a second slice. Honestly, it’s the perfect excuse to gather the people you love and celebrate something sweet.

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Pink Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe

Pink Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe


4.4 from 121 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pink Lemonade Pound Cake is a show-stopping dessert bursting with bright citrus flavor and a sweet-tart punch from pink lemonade. Made effortlessly with lemon cake mix and pudding, it’s topped with a vibrant pink lemonade glaze—making it the ultimate treat for spring gatherings, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for a splash of color and flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 box (3 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons pink lemonade concentrate


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven. Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan or tube pan, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
  2. Mix the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, eggs, thawed pink lemonade concentrate, vegetable oil, and water. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together at medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  3. Fill the pan. Pour the prepared batter into your greased pan and use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface for baking.
  4. Bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
  5. Cool the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then run a knife around the edges and gently invert it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
  6. Prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of pink lemonade concentrate until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more concentrate or sugar as needed.
  7. Glaze and serve. Drizzle the pink lemonade glaze generously over the cooled cake. Slice and serve for a beautiful, tangy-sweet treat!

Notes

  • For a stronger pink color, add a drop of pink or red food coloring to the glaze.
  • You can substitute homemade pink lemonade concentrate for store-bought if preferred.
  • Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • This cake travels well and is great for potlucks or parties.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg