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–+ servings
Sliced Key Lime Poke Cake with lime garnish on a white plate

Key Lime Poke Cake

A refreshing dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, this Key Lime Poke Cake is easy to make and ideal for citrus cravings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) Can use a different yellow cake mix for added flavor.
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
Lime Filling
  • 1 package lime-flavored gelatin mix (3 oz) Can be substituted with a different flavor of gelatin.
  • 1 cup key lime juice (bottled or fresh) Adjust based on preferred tartness level.
  • ¾ cup white sugar Adjust if a less sweet flavor is preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons butter Can substitute with a dairy-free oil.
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest Use fresh lime zest for more flavor.
  • Green food coloring (optional) For color enhancement.
Topping
  • 1 container whipped topping (8 oz, thawed) Can substitute with a non-dairy alternative.
  • Extra for garnish lime zest

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over with a wooden spoon or skewer.
Lime Filling
  1. In a saucepan, whisk gelatin mix, key lime juice, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat, stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  2. Remove from heat, add butter and lime zest, and stir until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
  3. Pour the warm lime filling over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Serving
  1. Pair your Key Lime Poke Cake with fresh fruit like strawberries or a tropical fruit salad.
  2. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream enhances the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 200mgSugar: 20g

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

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