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St. Patrick’s Day Lime Poke Cake

Bright green, refreshingly tart, and impossibly simple, this Lime Poke Cake brings seasonal color and citrus zip. Topped with fluffy whipped topping, it’s an instant party centerpiece that serves many.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box yellow cake mix Choose a higher-quality brand for better flavor.
  • 1 cup water Used to mix with the cake batter.
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil Provides moisture to the cake.
  • 3 large eggs Use large eggs at room temperature.
Gelatin Soak
  • 1 package (3 oz) lime gelatin Dissolves quickly in boiling water.
  • 1 cup boiling water Used to dissolve the gelatin.
  • 1/2 cup cold water Mix with gelatin after dissolving.
Topping
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping Adds a light, stable coverage.
  • 1 few drops green food coloring Optional, for tinting the topping.
  • as needed for garnish lime slices or zest Optional, for presentation.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. Combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to package instructions.
  2. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Gelatin Soak
  1. In a bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Poke holes in the cooled cake and pour the gelatin mixture evenly across the cake.
  3. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours.
Topping
  1. Spread the whipped topping over the chilled cake. Tint with green food coloring if desired, and garnish with lime slices or zest before serving.

Notes

Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in individual slices for up to 2 months. If frozen with topping, allow extra thawing time. This cake is best served chilled.