Key Lime Jello Poke Cake

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a slice of Key Lime Jello Poke Cake on a hot summer day. Picture this: a warm afternoon, the sun shining bright, and family and friends gathered around, enjoying laughter and good conversation. I remember the first time I made this cake; it transformed my typical dessert routine into something truly special. The combination of zesty lime and creamy topping is not only a feast for the taste buds, but it also brings a burst of color to any table. It quickly became a go-to recipe for gatherings, and I can’t help but feel excited every time I serve it!

What’s In This Key Lime Jello Poke Cake

The ingredients in this Key Lime Jello Poke Cake are a beautiful blend of tangy and sweet. Each element plays a vital role, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the entire dessert. The key players include the yellow cake mix, which serves as a delightful base, and the lime jello, which infuses the cake with that signature zesty flavor.

• 1 box yellow cake mix – Our base layer that gives the cake its fluffy texture. Be sure to bake it according to the package directions and let it cool completely before proceeding.
• 1 small box (3.4 oz) lime jello – This ingredient is essential for that tangy kick, making every bite refreshing.
• 1 cup boiling water – Used to dissolve the lime jello easily, ensuring the perfect consistency.
• 1/4 cup lime juice – Freshly squeezed or bottled, this adds a natural citrus flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• 2 egg yolks – These enrich the mixture, adding a creamy texture to the filling.
• 1 cup white sugar – Sweetness that balances the tangy ingredients, making the cake delectable.
• 3/4 cup lime juice – More of this zesty goodness enhances the flavor profile of the cake.
• 2 eggs – They help bind the filling together, creating a luscious texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch – This thickening agent helps achieve the right consistency in the filling.
• 1/4 cup butter – Adds richness and depth to the flavor of the filling.
• green food coloring – This is optional, but it adds a fun touch to visually appeal to your dessert.
• zest of 1 lime – Enhances the lime flavor and adds a beautiful burst of color.
• 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed – The finishing touch that brings a creamy, light texture to the cake.

How to Assemble Key Lime Jello Poke Cake

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the assembly of the Key Lime Jello Poke Cake. This part is where the magic happens, so be sure to follow each step carefully for the best results!

1. First, bake the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Once it’s baked, let it cool completely. This is crucial because we want the cake to be able to absorb all the delicious jello mixture later.
2. After the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure to poke deep enough to allow the jello to seep in.
3. In a small bowl, add the lime jello to the boiling water. Stir it well for about 2 minutes until it’s fully dissolved and smooth.
4. Once dissolved, stir in the lime juice and mix well to combine. Then, carefully pour this mixture over the poked cake, allowing it to fill the holes. You’ll want to ensure even distribution for maximum flavor!
5. Now, cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This chilling time allows the jello to set properly.
6. Next, in another bowl, add the egg yolks and the eggs together and whisk them until combined. This will create a rich base for our filling.
7. To make the filling, combine the white sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat while whisking constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
8. Keep whisking and boiling for about 4 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture bubbling and doubling in size, which is just what we want to see!
9. Now, reduce the heat and slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the sugar mixture while whisking constantly. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
10. Continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. At this point, your kitchen should smell amazing!
11. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and a few drops of green food coloring. Remember, the color will lighten once you add the whipped topping, so go a bit darker on the green.
12. Let your filling cool to room temperature before covering it and refrigerating it for another hour or two.
13. Finally, when you’re ready to frost the cake, mix the whipped topping with the cooled lime curd until well combined. Spread it generously over the top of the cake.
14. If desired, garnish with additional lime zest and some slices of lime for an extra pop of color. Your cake is now ready to serve!

Helpful Notes about Key Lime Jello Poke Cake

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind while making your Key Lime Jello Poke Cake. These notes can help elevate your baking game!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and delicious!
• Freezing: This cake does not freeze well due to the whipped topping. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
• Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit, such as berries, for a delightful contrast.
• Variations: Consider adding coconut flakes or crushed graham crackers on top for added texture.
• Layering: For a fun twist, try layering the lime filling and cake in individual cups for a parfait-style dessert.

Perfect Pairings for Key Lime Jello Poke Cake

When it comes to serving the Key Lime Jello Poke Cake, the options are endless! Here are some pairing ideas:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruit complements the zesty cake beautifully.
• Light, Refreshing Drinks: Serve with iced tea or lemonade to enhance the summer vibes.
• Picnics and BBQs: This cake is a hit for outdoor gatherings, making it a perfect dessert for a sunny day.
• Brunch Events: Serve as a sweet option alongside savory dishes for a delightful brunch spread.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Ideal for summer parties, Independence Day, or any festive occasion requiring a refreshing dessert.
• Storage Tips: Ensure you cover the cake well to keep it moist, and avoid letting it sit at room temperature for too long.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Key Lime Jello Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines refreshing flavors with a creamy topping, making it a perfect choice for gatherings. I encourage you to make it for your next celebration or just as a summertime treat. Your friends and family will appreciate the effort, and you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to create!

Key Lime Jello Poke Cake

Beat the heat with a slice of Key Lime Jello Poke Cake, a delightful dessert that combines tart lime flavor with creamy topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for summer gatherings and will have everyone returning for seconds. Your taste buds will thank you for making this refreshing dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 slices

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 1 box yellow cake mix baked according to package directions and cooled completely
• 1 small box (3.4 oz) lime jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 egg yolks egg yolks
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup lime juice
• 2 eggs eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 few drops green food coloring
• zest of 1 lime
• 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping thawed

Instructions

 

• First, bake the yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Once it’s baked, let it cool completely. This is crucial because we want the cake to be able to absorb all the delicious jello mixture later.
• After the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure to poke deep enough to allow the jello to seep in.
• In a small bowl, add the lime jello to the boiling water. Stir it well for about 2 minutes until it’s fully dissolved and smooth.
• Once dissolved, stir in the lime juice and mix well to combine. Then, carefully pour this mixture over the poked cake, allowing it to fill the holes. You’ll want to ensure even distribution for maximum flavor!
• Now, cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This chilling time allows the jello to set properly.
• Next, in another bowl, add the egg yolks and the eggs together and whisk them until combined. This will create a rich base for our filling.
• To make the filling, combine the white sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat while whisking constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
• Keep whisking and boiling for about 4 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture bubbling and doubling in size, which is just what we want to see!
• Now, reduce the heat and slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the sugar mixture while whisking constantly. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. At this point, your kitchen should smell amazing!
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and a few drops of green food coloring. Remember, the color will lighten once you add the whipped topping, so go a bit darker on the green.
• Let your filling cool to room temperature before covering it and refrigerating it for another hour or two.
• Finally, when you're ready to frost the cake, mix the whipped topping with the cooled lime curd until well combined. Spread it generously over the top of the cake.
• If desired, garnish with additional lime zest and some slices of lime for an extra pop of color. Your cake is now ready to serve!

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within three days for the best flavor! This cake does not freeze well due to the whipped topping. For a fun variation, consider adding coconut flakes or crushed graham crackers on top for added texture.

Keyword Dessert Recipes, Key Lime Cake, Poke Cake Recipe, Summer Desserts

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Meet Bella Banks

I’m the one who makes sure we’re having fun while we work. I love the communal aspect of cooking seven friends in a kitchen can be chaotic, but it’s the best kind of chaos! I cook everything alongside the girls, and I’m often the one setting the table and making sure the “vibe” is right for our photos. I believe that any recipe, no matter how simple or complex, is a celebration.