St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake (Printable version)
Enjoy a festive, moist lime dessert with vibrant green color and zesty citrus flavor, crowned with a creamy topping. Ideal for celebrations.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake
01 - 1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs
→ Lime Gelatin
05 - 1 (3 ounce) package lime-flavored gelatin
06 - 1 cup boiling water
07 - 1/2 cup cold water
→ Topping
08 - 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
09 - 1 tablespoon lime zest, plus additional for garnish
10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
03 - Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
04 - Allow the baked cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
05 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.
06 - In a medium bowl, dissolve the 3-ounce package of lime-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until completely dissolved. Then, add 1/2 cup of cold water and stir again.
07 - Slowly and evenly pour the prepared lime gelatin mixture over the entire surface of the poked cake, ensuring it soaks into the holes.
08 - Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely chilled and the gelatin has set.
09 - In a small bowl, gently fold 1 tablespoon of lime zest and the optional 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar into the thawed 8-ounce container of whipped topping.
10 - Spread the lime-infused whipped topping evenly over the thoroughly chilled cake. Garnish with additional lime zest for presentation.
11 - Slice the chilled cake and serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It's an absolute showstopper with its vibrant green hue, perfect for any festive occasion, especially St. Patrick's Day.
- The way the lime gelatin seeps into every nook and cranny of the cake creates an unbelievably moist, zesty surprise in each mouthful.
02 -
- Patience is truly a virtue when it comes to the chilling time; don't rush it, or your gelatin won't set properly, leading to a less vibrant cake.
- Those poke holes really do need to be deep enough, but not so wide they tear the cake; a wooden spoon handle is the absolute perfect tool.
03 -
- For an even stronger lime flavor throughout the cake, consider adding a teaspoon of lime extract to the cake batter itself before baking; it really amps up the citrus.
- To ensure super clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut; this prevents the topping and cake from sticking and tearing.