Lemonade Cake

When the girls were little we often spent time in the kitchen doing science experiments.  The foaming action of vinegar mixed with baking soda was always a favorite.

We still like to spend time in the kitchen, but now some of our experiments revolve around food.

Recently my daughter wanted to make a cake using a technique one of her friends told her about to create layers of different colors.  We also wanted to experiment with different flavors.

Normally I would have chosen the path of incorporating fresh ingredients like using fresh strawberries in the frosting and cake batter, but we were short on time and supplies.  We ended up using whatever was in the pantry. (Nothing like some chemical ingredients to complete the science project)

Here are our results:

Lemonade Cake

1 box vanilla cake mix (we used Pillsbury Classic White)
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup powdered lemonade drink mix (we used Country Time strawberry lemonade - this is the sweetened powder)
1 teaspoon lemon juice

cake coloring
Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

In a bowl beat cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, lemonade powder mix and lemon juice.  Beat on low for about 2 minutes.

Pour half of the cake mix into another bowl and add cake coloring (we used dark pink).  The other bowl was light pink.

In prepared cake pans alternate layers of different colors of cake batter (refrigerate for 10 minutes between each layer.)  Make layers as thick or thin as desired.  Alternate only a few times or several depending on the look you would like to achieve.

When all of the batter is in the pans bake in 350 degree oven for about 32 minutes or until done.

Cool.  Frost with Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

We had a great time talking and experimenting in the kitchen.  My daughter decorated the cake with delicious frosting and then her sister took some great photos.

Tasting the cake was pretty good too!  The cake had a tangy lemonade flavor.

Spending time together as a family is always fun.

If you are in the mood for experimenting in the kitchen, try this recipe.  Younger kids may even want to swirl color into the cake batter using a toothpick instead of creating separate layers.

I would also recommend experimenting with fresh fruit.

Whatever you decide to do, just relax and enjoy the moment.  The cake doesn't have to be perfect, it's the memories that make the difference.