This refreshing lemon lime poke cake brings you the invigorating taste of citrus in a light, fluffy dessert. The zing of lemon peel is folded into the cake to create a tantalizing aroma as it bakes. The lime flavored gelatin is carefully spooned into individually poked holes, creating a surprise burst of lime in every bite. Top it all off with a dreamy lemon pudding and cool whip frosting, garnished with grated lemon and lime peel for a visually appealing treat.
Most ingredients for this recipe can be found in the average pantry or fridge. However, the dream whip and lime flavored gelatin might require a trip to the supermarket. Dream whip is a powdered dessert topping mix that can usually be found in the baking aisle. The lime flavored gelatin is often situated with other gelatin and dessert mixes.
Ingredients for Lemon Lime Poke Cake
White cake mix: The base for our cake, providing the perfect canvas for our citrus flavors.
Water: To combine with the cake mix for a perfectly moist cake.
Vegetable oil: Gives the cake a soft and moist texture.
Eggs: They act as a binding agent, holding all our ingredients together.
Lemon peel: Adds a punch of citrus flavor and aroma to the cake.
Lime flavored gelatin: This will give our poke cake its unique lime flavor.
Dream whip: A powdered mix used for making the light and fluffy frosting.
Instant lemon pudding: Used in the frosting to give it a complementary citrus flavor.
Milk: Combines with the dream whip and pudding to create our frosting.
Cool whip: Adds an extra layer of lightness and creaminess to the frosting.
Lemon and lime peel: Used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and add extra citrus flavor.
One reader, Judy Chase says:
This lemon lime poke cake recipe is a game-changer! The zesty flavors burst through every bite, and the moist texture is simply divine. The combination of lemon and lime creates a refreshing and delightful treat. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a burst of citrus in their desserts!
Techniques Required for Making Lemon Lime Poke Cake
How to make the cake: Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box, adding in the lemon peel before pouring it into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake the cake and let it cool.
How to make the gelatin: Boil 1 cup of water and dissolve the lime-flavored gelatin in it. Stir until fully dissolved.
How to poke the cake: Use a fork to poke holes halfway down into the cake.
How to fill the cake: Spoon the prepared gelatin mixture into the holes, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
How to make the frosting: Using a hand mixer, combine the dream whip, lemon pudding, and milk until the mixture thickens.
How to top the cake: Spread the frosting over the cake and then add a layer of cool whip or whipped cream on top.
How to garnish: Grate lemon and lime peel over the top of the cake for a decorative finish.
How To Make Lemon Lime Poke Cake
Poke cake is made by poking holes into the cake and filling them up with gelatin. This recipe has a lemon-flavored cake filled with lime gelatin.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cake:
- 1boxwhite cake mix,(plus ingredients listed on back of cake mix)
- 2tsplemon peel,grated
- 1cupboiling water
- 3ozlime-flavored gelatin
For Frosting:
- 1envelopedream whip
- 1pkginstant lemon pudding
- 1½cupsmilk
- 1tubcool whip,or 2 cups whipped cream
- lemon and lime peel,grated
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Make cake as directed in box and fold in lemon peel before pouring into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake cake and let cool.
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While cake is cooling make gelatin by boiling water and pouring in gelatin mix. Stir until dissolved.
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Poke cake with a fork going down half way all over the cake. Spoon gelatin mixture into holes and refrigerate for at least 1½ hours.
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For frosting, mix dream whip, lemon pudding and milk with hand mixer until it thickens. Add to the top of cake.
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Top with Cool Whip and grated lemon and lime peel and refrigerate an additional hour before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 268.48kcal
- Fat: 9.11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.37g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.98g
- Carbohydrates: 37.90g
- Fiber: 0.56g
- Sugar: 26.68g
- Protein: 9.53g
- Cholesterol: 14.45mg
- Sodium: 319.06mg
- Calcium: 139.65mg
- Potassium: 121.74mg
- Iron: 0.73mg
- Vitamin A: 42.29µg
- Vitamin C: 3.12mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Lemon Lime Poke Cake
To ensure that the lime flavored gelatin fully permeates the cake, make sure to poke the holes while the cake is still slightly warm. The heat will help the gelatin to seep into the cake more effectively, resulting in a more flavorful and moist cake. Also, when applying the frosting, make sure to spread it evenly across the cake to ensure every bite has a balanced taste of the lemon pudding and dream whip.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicious Poke Cake Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the cake mix and gelatin the night before to save time on the day of baking.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought lemon and lime peel to save time on grating and zesting.
Multi-task: While the cake is baking, prepare the gelatin and frosting to save time.
Chill quickly: Place the cake in the freezer for a shorter time to set the gelatin and frosting faster.
Efficient assembly: Use a fork to poke the cake quickly and evenly, saving time during the assembly process.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Lime Poke Cake Recipe
white cake mix - Substitute with vanilla cake mix: Vanilla cake mix can provide a similar base for the poke cake and can be flavored with lemon and lime as needed.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a hint of tropical flavor to the cake, complementing the lemon and lime.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to the cake, while also reducing the cholesterol content.
lemon peel - Substitute with lemon extract: Lemon extract can provide a concentrated lemon flavor without the texture of the peel.
lime flavored gelatin - Substitute with lemon-lime flavored gelatin: This can provide a balanced citrus flavor if lime gelatin is not available.
dream whip - Substitute with whipped cream: Whipped cream can be used as a substitute for dream whip to create a creamy frosting for the poke cake.
instant lemon pudding - Substitute with vanilla pudding with lemon extract: Vanilla pudding with added lemon extract can mimic the flavor of instant lemon pudding.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a subtle tropical flavor to the frosting, complementing the citrus flavors of the cake.
cool whip - Substitute with whipped cream: Whipped cream can be used as a substitute for cool whip to create a creamy and light frosting for the poke cake.
lemon and lime peel - Substitute with lemon and lime zest: Lemon and lime zest can provide the same citrusy aroma and flavor as the peel, without the bitter pith.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Lemon Lime Poke Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Lemon Lime Poke Cake, pay attention to the plating. Use a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the cake and the citrus zest to stand out.
Garnish with fresh citrus: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the cake with thinly sliced lemon and lime wheels. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of fresh citrus aroma to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the plate, such as a delicate sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or almonds. This adds a delightful crunch to each bite and creates a multi-dimensional experience.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation. Allow the cake to be the focal point while incorporating subtle accents around it.
Balance the composition: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Aim for a balanced composition, ensuring that the cake, garnishes, and any additional elements are thoughtfully arranged.
Consider the plate shape: Choose a plate with a modern and sleek design to complement the contemporary plating style. The shape of the plate can contribute to the overall visual appeal of the dessert.
Highlight the gelatin infusion: Showcase the infusion of the lime-flavored gelatin by allowing it to subtly pool around the base of the cake, creating an artistic and appetizing effect.
Emphasize the layers: Highlight the layers of the cake by using a spatula to create clean lines and angles. This draws attention to the intricate layers and textures within the dessert.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Perfect Poke Cake
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or dough.
- Fork: Useful for poking holes in the cake for the poke cake recipe.
- Hand mixer: Ideal for blending and whipping ingredients for the frosting.
- 9x13 pan: A baking pan suitable for making sheet cakes and other baked goods.
- Spoon: Used for spooning the gelatin mixture into the holes of the cake.
- Grater: For grating lemon and lime peel as a garnish for the cake.
- Whisk: Useful for mixing and aerating ingredients for the frosting.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Lemon Lime Poke Cake
Let the lemon lime poke cake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake in the refrigerator, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The cake will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the cake, it's best to do so before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the cake with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the whipped cream topping and garnish with lemon and lime zest.
If you have leftover cake that has already been topped with whipped cream, you can still freeze it. Place the cake in the freezer until the whipped cream is firm, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To serve, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Lime Poke Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover lemon lime poke cake on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the cake and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a single slice of the lemon lime poke cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the cake is not warm enough, heat it for an additional 5-10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery.
For a crispy top, you can reheat the lemon lime poke cake under the broiler. Place the cake on a baking sheet and broil it for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and crispy. Keep a close eye on the cake to prevent it from burning.
If you want to reheat a larger portion of the lemon lime poke cake, you can use a steamer. Place the cake in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam it for 5-7 minutes, or until it is heated through. This method helps to keep the cake moist and fluffy.
For a quick and easy reheating option, you can use a toaster oven. Place a slice of the lemon lime poke cake on a toaster oven tray and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until it is warmed through. This method works well for individual servings and helps to maintain the texture of the cake.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Lime Poke Cake
Lemon lime poke cake is a popular dessert in the southern United States. It is known for its refreshing citrus flavor and moist texture.
Is Making Lemon Lime Poke Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This lemon lime poke cake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and readily available. The cake mix, gelatin, and pudding mix are budget-friendly, and the use of lemon and lime adds a refreshing twist without breaking the bank. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $10-$15. The resulting cake is a delightful and flavorful dessert that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Lemon Lime Poke Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This lemon lime poke cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients that contribute to its unhealthy status are:
- White cake mix: High in refined carbohydrates and added sugars
- Vegetable oil: Often high in unhealthy fats
- Lime flavored gelatin: Contains artificial flavors and colors, as well as added sugar
- Dream whip and instant lemon pudding: Processed foods with added sugars and artificial ingredients
- Cool whip: High in saturated fats and added sugars
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the white cake mix with a whole wheat or almond flour-based cake mix to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Use applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of vegetable oil to reduce unhealthy fats
- Opt for a homemade lime gelatin using fresh lime juice, water, and unflavored gelatin to avoid artificial additives
- Create a frosting using whipped cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and honey for a more wholesome topping
- Top the cake with fresh fruit, such as sliced lemons and limes, to add natural flavor and nutrients
By incorporating these changes, you can create a more nutritious version of this lemon lime poke cake while still maintaining its delightful flavors. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a slice of this cake on occasion can still be part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on the Lemon Lime Poke Cake Recipe
The lemon lime poke cake recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert. The combination of zesty lemon and tangy lime flavors creates a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. The moist and fluffy cake, soaked in the vibrant gelatin, is complemented by the light and creamy frosting. The addition of lemon and lime peel adds a burst of fresh citrus aroma and flavor. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and visually appealing treat that is sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
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Why trust this Lemon Lime Poke Cake Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful and refreshing dessert experience. The combination of lemon peel and lime flavored gelatin infuses the cake with zesty citrus flavors. The light and airy dream whip and cool whip frosting adds a luscious texture, while the grated lemon and lime peel garnish enhances the visual appeal. The careful incorporation of lemon juice and olive oil ensures a moist and flavorful cake. Trust in the balance of flavors and the meticulous attention to detail in this recipe for a delectable treat.
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