Festive lime jello poke cake for st patrick's day
Lime jello poke cake: a st. patrick's day treat
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant and delicious dessert? This lime jello poke cake is the perfect fusion of festive green and refreshing citrus flavors. It’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for busy bakers and a delightful addition to any St. Patrick's Day gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet stunning cake!
Why you'll love this recipe
This recipe ticks all the boxes for a perfect holiday dessert. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients. The cake can be made ahead, saving you time and stress on the day of your celebration. Plus, the bright green color and creamy frosting are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone's faces. It's a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, too!
Ingredients for the shamrock poke cake
- For the Cake: 1 Box White Cake Mix plus ingredients listed on box, 15.25 oz, Green Food Dye (gel recommended), 1 Cup Boiling Water, 1 Cup Cold Water, 3 oz Lime Jell-O
- For the Frosting: 1 ½ Cups Heavy Whipping Cream, 8 oz Cream Cheese, 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, 1 Pinch Salt, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Step-by-step instructions: making the poke cake
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions, adding green food coloring and baking in a 7×11-inch baking dish.
- Poke the Cake: Once cooled for 15 minutes, poke holes all over the cake using a fork.
- Make the Jello: Prepare the lime Jell-O using hot and cold water according to the package directions.
- Pour and Chill: Slowly pour the prepared Jell-O over the poked cake, ensuring it's absorbed. Chill for 3-4 hours.
- Frost the Cake: Beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream. Frost the cake evenly.
Helpful tips for a perfect poke cake
Cake Mix Size Note: Cake mix sizes have decreased over the years. To ensure a level cake, use a 7x11 inch pan instead of a 9x13 inch pan. This prevents the cake from being too thin. Avoid green sanding sugar sprinkles as they won’t color the frosting effectively and can result in an undesirable blue hue. Using gel food coloring yields the best green color.
Storage instructions
Store leftover lime jello poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Nutritional information (per serving)
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 394kcal | 53g | 4g | 19g | 36g |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.