St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake

This St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake is the perfect festive dessert to celebrate the holiday. It’s vibrant, fun, and delicious, with a burst of lime flavor that’s just the right amount of tangy and sweet. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and the kids will love helping with the poke holes and watching the colorful gelatin seep in. Trust me, this cake is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s bound to bring some luck to your celebrations!

Why You’ll Love St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake

• Festive and Fun: The bright green color and whipped topping make it the perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day.
• Moist and Flavorful: The lime gelatin gives the cake a fresh, zesty flavor that keeps it moist and flavorful.
• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: It’s easy to involve the little ones in poking the holes and decorating with sprinkles!

Ingredients

White Cake Mix: The base for this cake. It’s light and airy, and it pairs perfectly with the lime gelatin.
Water: To help mix and hydrate the cake batter.
Vegetable Oil: For a soft and moist cake.
Egg Whites: These help create a lighter, fluffier texture.
Boiling Water: To dissolve the gelatin.
Cool Water: To set the gelatin mixture after dissolving.
Jell-O Lime Gelatin: The key to the cake’s refreshing, vibrant flavor.
Whipped Topping: For a creamy and fluffy topping that balances the tartness of the lime.
Green Sprinkles: For a festive finishing touch that gives the cake a fun, celebratory vibe!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Cake: In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, 1 ¼ cups water, vegetable oil, and egg whites with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package instructions, usually for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
Make the Gelatin: While the cake cools, boil 1 cup of water and pour it over the lime gelatin powder in a separate bowl. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add ½ cup of cool water and mix until combined.
Poke the Cake: Using the tines of a fork or tongs, gently poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake, about every ½ inch. Don’t worry if the holes aren’t perfect—it’ll all come together once the gelatin soaks in!
Add the Gelatin: Pour the dissolved lime gelatin over the top of the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let the cake cool completely in the pan for about an hour.
Top It Off: Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface. Add a generous sprinkle of green sprinkles for a pop of color and a festive touch!
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the tangy, sweet flavor of this St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 240
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes cooling time)

How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake

This cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with some fun serving ideas:

• Top with Fresh Fruit: Add some sliced strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi for extra color and freshness.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or lime sorbet on the side would pair perfectly with the cake.
• Add Some Chocolate: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the whipped topping for a sweet contrast to the tart lime.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. The longer the gelatin has to set, the better it will taste!
• Gelatin Flavors: Feel free to switch up the gelatin flavor for different holidays. Cherry, strawberry, or orange gelatin would work beautifully for other occasions.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any flavor of gelatin you like, such as strawberry, raspberry, or orange, to change up the flavor of the poke cake.

Q2: Can I make this cake a day ahead?
A2: Yes! This cake is even better if made a day ahead, allowing the gelatin to fully set and the flavors to meld together.

Q3: Can I use a different topping?
A3: If you’re not a fan of whipped topping, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream or even cream cheese frosting for a richer option.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: How can I make the cake more festive for St. Patrick’s Day?
A5: You can decorate with shamrock-shaped sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a green icing drizzle for an extra festive touch.

Q6: Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
A6: Yes, you can substitute whole eggs for egg whites. It might change the texture slightly, but it will still work well.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A7: Yes! You can use a lemon or yellow cake mix instead of the white cake mix for a different flavor profile.

Q8: What should I do if the cake sinks in the middle?
A8: If your cake sinks, it’s likely from overmixing the batter or the oven temperature being too high. Make sure to mix just until combined and check your oven’s temperature.

Q9: Can I add more gelatin for extra color?
A9: You can use two packages of gelatin for a deeper green color, but be sure to adjust the liquid ratios to ensure the cake is still moist.

Q10: How do I get the gelatin to set properly?
A10: Be sure to let the cake cool completely before pouring the gelatin over it. The gelatin needs time to soak into the cake and set properly.

Conclusion

This St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat for your celebration. With its zesty lime flavor, fluffy whipped topping, and fun green sprinkles, it’s sure to bring the luck of the Irish to your party. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll be able to focus on the fun of the holiday, not the stress of dessert prep. Enjoy every bite of this festive cake!

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