St Patricks Lime Poke Cake (Printable)

A festive lime cake bursting with citrus flavor, topped with creamy layers and green sprinkles.

# What You Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 15.25 oz white cake mix
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 3 large eggs

→ Lime Gelatin Mixture

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

→ Cream Topping

08 - 1 cup cold whole milk
09 - 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
10 - 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
11 - Zest of 1 lime
12 - Green sprinkles

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - Combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and level the surface.
03 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
04 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the warm cake, spacing approximately 1 inch apart.
05 - Dissolve lime gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, then stir in 1/2 cup cold water.
06 - Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to fill the holes completely.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the gelatin is fully set.
08 - Whisk cold milk and vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Gently fold in whipped topping until thoroughly combined.
09 - Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the chilled cake. Sprinkle with lime zest and green sprinkles as desired.
10 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Cut into squares to serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of tart lime and creamy pudding creates the perfect balance that somehow never gets too sweet
  • You can make it the day before which means zero stress when your guests arrive
  • That gorgeous green color feels like a celebration on your plate without any artificial food coloring needed
02 -
  • Never skip poking the holes while the cake is still warm because it helps absorb all that gelatin properly
  • The cake really does need that full hour in the fridge before adding the topping or it will not set up right
  • Do not pour the gelatin too fast or it will pool instead of soaking evenly into the cake
03 -
  • Add a teaspoon of fresh lime juice to the gelatin mixture for an even brighter citrus punch
  • Use the back of a measuring spoon instead of a wooden spoon handle if you want larger holes for more gelatin in each bite

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