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–+ servings
Key Lime Poke Cake

Key Lime Poke Cake: A Zesty Homemade Delight

This Key Lime Poke Cake is a refreshing dessert that beautifully balances sweetness and tartness, guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box Yellow Cake Mix Any light cake mix works as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Water No substitutions needed.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Can substitute with melted butter for extra flavor.
  • 4 large Eggs Flax eggs may be used for a vegan alternative.
For the Lime Filling
  • 1 pkg Lime-Flavored Gelatin Mix Lemon gelatin can be used but will change the taste.
  • 1/2 cup Key Lime Juice Regular lime juice works, but Key limes are recommended.
  • 1/2 cup White Sugar Feel free to use a sugar alternative if desired.
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch All-purpose flour could work in a pinch as a substitute.
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Butter Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Lime Zest Optional but great for garnish!
  • 4 drops Green Food Coloring Optional for a splash of color.
  • 1 container Whipped Topping Substitute with fresh whipped cream or light cream cheese frosting if preferred.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Baking Pan (13x9 inch)
  • saucepan
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Prepare Cake
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and large eggs. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Pour into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until done.
Poke Holes
  1. Once the cake is done, cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the top with a skewer, about 1 inch apart.
Mix Filling
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the lime gelatin mix, key lime juice, white sugar, cornstarch, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Cool slightly before pouring over the cake.
Chill Cake
  1. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Top & Serve
  1. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread whipped topping over the surface. Optionally sprinkle with lime zest and serve chilled, garnished with a slice of fresh lime.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgSugar: 30gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill overnight for enhanced lime flavor. Use a serrated knife for clean slices. Adding lime zest elevates presentation.

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