Key Lime Pie Poke Cake Recipe

Byanna orden
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Introduction

This Key Lime Pie Poke Cake is a bright and tangy dessert that combines the moistness of a white cake with zesty lime flavors and creamy toppings. Perfect for warm weather, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its refreshing taste.

A close-up view of a square slice of layered dessert on a white plate with a white marbled textured surface. The bottom layer is a light brown cake with specks of green throughout, showing a soft and crumbly texture. The middle layer is a thick, glossy yellow filling that looks smooth and slightly translucent. The top layer is a thick, fluffy white cream that covers the whole slice evenly, topped with a small wedge of bright green lime placed at an angle. Small green lime zest bits are scattered across the white cream. Part of a fork with some cake and cream is visible on the left side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients to prepare the mix (usually 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup vegetable oil)
  • 3 cups lime curd (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 package (3 oz) JELL-O lime flavor gelatin
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (full fat and cold)
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Sliced lime, for garnish
  • Lime zest, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch cake pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the white cake mix according to the box instructions, combining the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil as directed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake to allow filling to seep in.
  5. Step 5: In a bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 1/2 cups boiling water. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
  6. Step 6: Spread the lime curd evenly over the top of the cake, pressing gently to fill the holes and cover the corners.
  7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before preparing the whipped cream.
  8. Step 8: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest until stiff peaks form.
  9. Step 9: Spread the lime whipped cream evenly over the cake using a spatula. Smooth the top and refrigerate the cake overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  10. Step 10: Before serving, garnish the cake with fresh lime zest and lime slices for a bright, decorative finish.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra tartness, add a bit more lime juice to the whipped cream or substitute half the milk in the cake mix with lime juice.
  • Use a mix of lime and lemon curd for a layered citrus flavor.
  • If you prefer a lighter dessert, swap the heavy cream for whipped topping, though the texture will be less rich.

Storage

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve after sitting overnight. When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge about 15 minutes beforehand to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped cream and gelatin may change.

How to Serve

A square slice of dessert with three layers is shown on a white plate. The bottom layer is a light brown cake with visible green spots inside, rough and crumbly in texture. The middle layer is a thick, glossy yellow filling that looks like lemon or lime jelly. The top layer is a smooth, thick white cream with a slightly fluffy texture. A thin green slice of lime is placed on top as decoration. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with blurred lime slices in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the lime curd from scratch?

Yes, homemade lime curd adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. It usually requires lime juice, sugar, eggs, butter, and zest cooked gently until thickened. Use a trusted recipe to ensure it sets well for the filling.

What can I substitute if I don’t have lime gelatin?

You can use plain gelatin combined with fresh lime juice and a bit of sugar, but it won’t have the same jiggly texture or color. Alternatively, skip the gelatin and let the lime curd and whipped cream combination shine for a softer texture.

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Key Lime Pie Poke Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews
  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus overnight chilling
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
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Description

This Key Lime Pie Poke Cake is a refreshing and tangy dessert that combines the lightness of a white cake with the zesty flavors of lime curd and lime gelatin. The cake is baked, then poked with holes to absorb a lime gelatin mixture, topped with lime curd, and finished with a fluffy lime-infused whipped cream. Perfectly chilled overnight, this pie-inspired poke cake offers a creamy, citrusy treat ideal for summer gatherings or any lime lover’s delight.

Ingredients

Scale

White Cake

  • 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients to prepare the mix (usually 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup vegetable oil)

Filling

  • 3 cups lime curd (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 package (3 oz) JELL-O lime flavor gelatin
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water

Lime Whipped Cream

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (full fat and cold)
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Zest of 1 lime

Garnish

  • Sliced lime
  • Lime zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare White Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and sprinkle flour in a 9-x-13 inch cake pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: Prepare the white cake mix according to the box instructions, typically combining the mix with 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Poke Holes in Cake: Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake to allow the gelatin mixture to soak in.
  5. Prepare Gelatin Mixture: While the cake cools, dissolve the 3 oz package of lime-flavored JELL-O gelatin in 1 1/2 cups boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
  6. Pour Gelatin Over Cake: Slowly pour the dissolved gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and saturate the cake throughout.
  7. Add Lime Curd: Spread 3 cups of lime curd evenly on top of the gelatin-soaked cake, ensuring the filling gets into the holes and covers the corners as well.
  8. Cool to Room Temperature: Let the cake cool completely to room temperature to allow the mixture to set before refrigeration.
  9. Make Lime Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream with 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and the zest of 1 lime until stiff peaks form.
  10. Top the Cake: Using a spoon, dollop the lime whipped cream over the cake and spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the surface.
  11. Chill Overnight: Refrigerate the assembled cake overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate the top with fresh lime zest and thin slices of lime for an attractive presentation and extra zing.

Notes

  • For best results, use full-fat heavy cream chilled directly from the fridge to achieve stiff peaks in whipped cream.
  • You can make homemade lime curd or buy it pre-made from stores.
  • Allowing the cake to chill overnight enhances the flavor integration and texture.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, adjust the sugar in the whipped cream accordingly.
  • Be gentle when poking holes to avoid breaking the cake apart.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Key Lime Poke Cake, Lime Dessert, Summer Cake, Lime Curd Cake, JELL-O Cake, Whipped Cream Cake

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