Lime Poke Cake Whipped Topping (Print Version)

Zesty lime cake soaked in gelatin and finished with a fluffy whipped topping for a refreshing treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Components

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs

→ Lime Gelatin Mixture

05 - 1 box (3 oz) lime-flavored gelatin
06 - 1 cup boiling water
07 - 1/2 cup cold water

→ Whipped Topping

08 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
09 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - Zest of 1 lime
12 - Fresh lime slices for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Beat according to package directions until smooth, typically 2-3 minutes. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
03 - Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
04 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the warm cake, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.
05 - Dissolve lime gelatin completely in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water until fully incorporated.
06 - Slowly pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it fills the poked holes. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.
07 - Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour until the gelatin is fully set and firm to the touch.
08 - Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form, approximately 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
09 - Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake using an offset spatula or back of a spoon.
10 - Sprinkle fresh lime zest over the top. Add lime slices as a decorative border if desired. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The lime flavor cuts through rich barbecue food like nobody's business
  • You can make it the day before and let it hang out in the fridge until showtime
  • That first moment when people see bright green cake is always worth it
02 -
  • Don't poke holes while the cake is piping hot or the gelatin will melt right through
  • Pour the gelatin slowly—rushing creates weird soggy spots nobody wants
  • The cake needs a full hour in the fridge before adding whipped cream
03 -
  • Add a tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the whipped cream for extra zing
  • If using store-bought whipped topping, let it soften slightly before spreading

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