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Key Lime Poke Cake

Zesty Key Lime Poke Cake That’ll Brighten Your Day

This Key Lime Poke Cake is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 15.25 oz Yellow Cake Mix Gluten-free substitute possible.
  • 1 cup Water
  • ½ cup Vegetable Oil Can substitute with melted butter.
  • 3 large Eggs Essential for structure.
For the Filling
  • 3 oz Lime-Flavored Gelatin Mix Lemon gelatin can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Key Lime Juice Bottled or fresh works beautifully.
  • ¾ cup White Sugar No substitutions recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Can be omitted if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Opt for unsalted.
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Zest Extra for garnish if desired.
For the Topping
  • 8 oz Whipped Topping Fresh whipped cream is a good alternative.
  • Green Food Coloring Optional for aesthetic.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • baking dish
  • fork
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup of water, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Mix until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  2. Once the cake has cooled, take a fork and gently poke holes all over the top, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the lime-flavored gelatin mix and 1 cup of key lime juice, stirring until dissolved. Carefully pour the lime mixture evenly over the poked cake.
  4. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for even better flavor.
  5. Once the chilling time is complete, spread 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake.
  6. For a bright look, sprinkle extra lime zest on top and add lime slices if desired. Cut into squares and serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 120mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.7mg

Notes

Ensure holes are evenly spaced and deep enough for filling absorption. Allow enough chill time for maximum flavor enhancement, ideally overnight.

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