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Key Lime Jello Poke Cake

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!
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
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