A Zesty and Sweet Layered Dessert You’ll Love

There’s nothing quite like the vibrant combination of sweet strawberries and tart lime to bring your taste buds to life. This Strawberry Lime Cake is a showstopper—perfect for spring gatherings, summer birthdays, or anytime you need a bright, cheerful dessert that tastes as stunning as it looks. With bold lime flavor in the cake layers and a sweet strawberry-infused buttercream frosting, every bite is a celebration of fresh, fruity flavor.

This recipe is ideal for home bakers who want a cake that delivers professional results without the fuss of from-scratch baking. Using lemon cake mix as a base gives this cake a fluffy, tender crumb, while lime gelatin and orange juice add a zingy citrus kick. Topped with silky strawberry frosting and garnished with fresh fruit, it’s a bakery-worthy dessert you can make in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging in a little self-care, this cake has your name written all over it.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lime Cake

Bright, fruity flavors – Lime gelatin and fresh orange juice bring the zing, while strawberries bring the sweetness.
Moist and fluffy texture – Thanks to the oil and eggs, the crumb stays soft and luscious.
Easy but impressive – Starts with cake mix but finishes with a wow-factor look.
Customizable and versatile – Make it your own with flavor swaps, fun garnishes, or different frostings.

This cake is a great option for novice bakers who want to practice layer cake techniques or experienced cooks looking to whip up something fast and fabulous.

Ingredients Overview

For the Lime Cake:

37 ounces lemon cake mix (2 boxes, 18.5 oz each)
2 cups canola oil
8 large eggs
6 ounces lime gelatin (2 small 3-oz boxes)
1 ½ cups pulp-free orange juice

For the Strawberry Frosting:

2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
6 cups powdered sugar
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup finely diced strawberries
5–7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

For Decoration:

2 limes, thinly sliced
Fresh strawberries, halved

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you start, make sure you have these tools on hand:

3 round cake pans (8- or 9-inch)
Nonstick baking spray (Pam baking spray recommended)
Electric or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Cake leveler or serrated knife
Angled spatula for frosting
Piping bag with a large round or star tip
Cake board or cake stand
Cooling rack
Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your cake pans generously with baking spray.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the lemon cake mix, canola oil, eggs, lime gelatin, and orange juice. Beat until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

Divide the batter evenly between your three prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks before removing them from the pans.

Once cooled, level the tops of each cake round using a cake leveler or serrated knife to ensure even stacking.

2. Make the Strawberry Frosting

In a clean mixer bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, finely diced strawberries, and 5 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is smooth and holds stiff peaks. If needed, add up to 2 more tablespoons of cream to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Build the Cake

Place the first cake round on your cake board. Add a generous cup of frosting to the center and smooth it out with your angled spatula.

Repeat this process with the second and third cake layers, creating even layers of frosting between each.

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Use an angled spatula to smooth it out completely.

Set aside 1 cup of frosting in a piping bag fitted with a large tip. Pipe dollops around the edge of the cake’s top. Decorate each dollop with a lime slice and place halved strawberries around the edges for a beautiful finish.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the frosting before slicing.

Tips, Shortcuts, and Substitutions

Shortcut: Use store-bought strawberry frosting if you’re short on time, but homemade offers the best flavor and texture.
Flavor Swap: Try raspberry gelatin and fresh raspberries in the frosting for a tangy twist.
Citrus Punch: Add lime zest to the cake batter for an extra hit of lime flavor.
Decoration Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted coconut or edible flowers on top for a more festive finish.
No Leveler? Use a long serrated knife to trim your cake layers evenly.

How to Store Strawberry Lime Cake

Refrigerator: Because the frosting contains fresh strawberries and cream, this cake should be refrigerated. Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered cake stand in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is a perfect centerpiece for brunch, bridal showers, or warm-weather get-togethers. It pairs beautifully with:

A glass of chilled Prosecco or sparkling rosé
Citrus-infused iced tea
Fresh mint lemonade
Vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent twist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes! White or yellow cake mix works well if you want a slightly milder base flavor. Just keep the lime gelatin for that signature tang.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Bake and cool the layers a day ahead. Assemble and decorate the day of serving for best results.

Q: Do I have to refrigerate the cake?
A: Yes. The fresh strawberries and cream in the frosting require refrigeration to stay fresh and safe.

Q: Can I make this into cupcakes?
A: Definitely! Reduce the bake time to about 18–20 minutes and watch for doneness with a toothpick.

Q: My frosting is too thin. What can I do?
A: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s fresh, fruity, and full of flair, this Strawberry Lime Cake is it. With vibrant citrus flavor, rich strawberry frosting, and a showstopping presentation, it’s guaranteed to be the highlight of any occasion.

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