A zesty lime poke cake is a delightful treat that brings a burst of flavor to any gathering. This cake is not just your average dessert; it’s a party on a plate. With its fluffy texture, vibrant color, and refreshing lime flavor, it’s perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any sunny day during the summer months. When you slice into it, the colorful gelatin infused into the cake creates an eye-catching contrast against the fluffy whipped cream topping. Picture yourself at a picnic or gathering, and this cake steals the spotlight on the dessert table – it’s not just delicious, it’s visually stunning!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake

I still vividly remember the first time I prepared this delightful creation for St. Patrick’s Day. The vibrant green hue caught everyone’s eye, and the refreshing lime flavor was a hit. This lime poke cake is easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are hosting a party or simply looking for a refreshing dessert, this cake fits the bill perfectly. I’m excited to guide you through this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes just 20 minutes of prep time and most of the work is hands-off!
Irresistible Flavor: A mouthwatering mix of zesty lime and fluffy whipped cream.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright green color and fluffy topping make it a showstopper.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, BBQs, or a casual dessert after dinner.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love the colorful poke cake and the chance to help!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds creaminess and richness to the cake.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for a tender cake.
1/2 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
1 1/4 cups buttermilk, well shaken: Adds moisture and tangy flavor.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and gives it texture.
3 large eggs, lightly beaten: Binds the ingredients together and provides lift.
3 ounces lime gelatin: Provides the signature lime flavor and vibrant color.
2 cups heavy cream, cold: Makes for a light and fluffy topping.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for cream): Sweetens the whipped cream.
Green sanding sugar: A fun, sparkling garnish for that festive look.

How to Make St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan generously. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt. Making sure these are well combined ensures an even texture.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a spouted measuring cup, mix 1 1/4 cups buttermilk and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. This mixture brings in moisture and flavor to the cake.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In an electric mixer, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar at medium speed for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a luscious base for your cake.

Incorporate Eggs: Slowly add the lightly beaten eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined after each addition. This step is crucial as it helps emulsify and creates a uniform batter.

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This technique maintains the cake’s tender crumb.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door too early, so it rises perfectly!

Poke Holes in the Cake: Once baked, cool the cake for about 30 minutes. Then, take a fork and poke holes every inch apart throughout the surface. This step allows the flavorful gelatin to seep in!

Prepare the Gelatin: In a separate bowl, dissolve 3 ounces of lime gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved; then add 1/2 cup cold water. This mixture is key for that refreshing flavor so don’t skip this.

Pour the Gelatin: Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. It may seem like too much, but trust the process—this is what gives the poke cake its delicious flavor.

Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to set and flavor the cake beautifully. The longer, the better.

Whip the Cream: After chilling, in a chilled bowl, whip 2 cups of cold heavy cream with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and a splash of vanilla until fluffy peaks form. This creates a light and creamy topping that balances the tart lime.

Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake generously, ensuring it’s covered. For that extra festive touch, sprinkle with green sanding sugar, making it visually festive for St. Patrick’s Day!

Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and watch as your guests delight in this light, tangy, and refreshing dessert. The creamy topping paired with the moist, flavorful cake is irresistible!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, cut the cake into portions, place in airtight containers or freezer bags, and label them. When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating isn’t necessary, but a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can revive the cake if you prefer it warm. Just keep in mind, the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it remains delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing when combining flour and wet ingredients to maintain a fluffy cake texture.
Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification into your batter.
When making whipped cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are cold for quicker and fluffier results.
If using low-fat alternatives, remember the cake’s texture might be slightly different but still enjoyable.
Make-ahead magic: You can prepare the cake a day in advance and just whip the cream topping the day you plan to serve it.

A zesty lime poke cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings people together. This cake’s vibrant flavor and cheerful appearance make it the perfect choice for any occasion, especially as a special treat for St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings; after all, the joy of baking lies in creativity. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another flavor of gelatin?

Absolutely! While lime is refreshing, you can try lemon, orange, or even berry flavors to customize your poke cake. Just adjust the necessary ingredients accordingly!

Is it okay to make this cake in advance?

Definitely! This cake actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Just be sure to top it with whipped cream just before serving to keep it fresh!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use one that is designed for baking to achieve the best texture.

How do I make it less sweet?

If you find that you want a less sugary dessert, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the cake to 1 1/2 cups and adjust the sugar in the whipped cream to your taste. The tartness from the lime will complement it well!

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St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 200 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake features refreshing lime flavor, a light, fluffy texture, and simple preparation. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion!

Ingredients

unsalted butter, softened – 1 cup (2 sticks)
all-purpose flour – 2 1/2 cups
baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon
baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
fine salt – 1/2 teaspoon
buttermilk, well shaken – 1 1/4 cups
pure vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
granulated sugar – 2 cups
large eggs, lightly beaten – 3
lime gelatin – 3 ounces
heavy cream, cold – 2 cups
granulated sugar (for cream) – 1 tablespoon
green sanding sugar – for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a spouted measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and vanilla.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar at medium speed for about 5 minutes until fluffy.
Gradually add the eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well.
Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, starting with flour and ending with the flour.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes.
Using a fork, poke holes about 1 inch apart across the top of the cooled cake.
Dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, mix in 1/2 cup of cold water, and pour this over the poked cake.
Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to set.
Whip the cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla in a chilled bowl until fluffy.
Spread the whipped cream over the cake, sprinkle with green sanding sugar, and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure to cool the cake completely before poking holes for best results.
Feel free to use different flavors of gelatin for a variation on this cake.
Keep refrigerated until serving for maximum freshness.