When thinking about desserts that really celebrate life, St. Patrick’s Day Lime Poke Cake shines with its zesty lime flavor and vibrant green hue. This cake is a delightful fusion of a classic poke cake and the refreshing taste of lime, creating a sensational treat that’s not only pleasing to the eyes but also perfect for your taste buds. The moistness of the cake combined with the tangy citrus flavor makes each bite a refreshing experience, ideal for springtime gatherings or festive celebrations.

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 first stumbled upon the concept of poke cakes during a family gathering. The notion of soaking a cake with a flavored gel infusion fascinated me. It seemed like the perfect way to combine my love for cakes with an unexpected twist of flavor. What sets this lime poke cake apart is its simple yet impressive presentation—frosted with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkled with green sanding sugar, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that’s bound to become a staple at your celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this cake up in just 20 minutes; it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The tangy lime paired with creamy whipped topping brings a delightful taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s a stunning dessert with vibrant colors, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a light dessert, afternoon snack, or even breakfast treat!
Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday ingredients, this cake won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This provides richness and moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of your cake! Spoon and level it properly to avoid too dense a texture.
½ teaspoon baking powder: This leavening agent helps give the cake a light and airy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that works in tandem with the baking powder.
½ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances the flavors in the cake.
1 ¼ cups buttermilk, well shaken: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice will work!
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Compliments the lime flavor and adds depth.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its soft texture.
3 large eggs, lightly beaten: These bind the ingredients together and help with the cake’s structure.
3 ounces lime gelatin: Provides that irresistible lime flavor and bright color.
2 cups heavy cream, cold: For whipping into fluffy frosting.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for cream): Sweetens the whipped cream perfectly.
Green sanding sugar: For a festive touch, sprinkle it over the whipped cream for charm and color!

How to Make St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and make sure your cake comes out easily.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of fine salt. This mixture sets the stage for your cake’s texture.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Take a spouted measuring cup and mix 1 ¼ cups of buttermilk with 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Having this ready ensures easy mixing later on.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar at medium speed for about 5 minutes until the blend is fluffy and light.

Incorporate Eggs: Slowly add in the 3 lightly beaten eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to your butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This technique keeps the batter smooth and ensures even mixing.

Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 30 minutes in the pan.

Poke Holes: Once cooled, use a fork to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the surface of the cake. This is where the lime gelatin will soak in, infusing flavor.

Prepare Lime Gelatin: In a mixing bowl, dissolve 3 ounces of lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Add ½ cup of cold water and stir until fully combined.

Pour Over Cake: Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes for maximum flavor. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to set.

Whip the Cream: When ready to serve, whip 2 cups of cold heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and a splash of vanilla in a chilled bowl until fluffy peaks form. This will be your delicious topping!

Top and Serve: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake and sprinkle with green sanding sugar for a festive finish. Slice and serve this vibrant dessert to your friends and family!

Storing & Reheating

To store your lime poke cake, keep it covered at room temperature for about a day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last up to 3 months. For best results, allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight before serving. Textures may change slightly after freezing, but refreshing it with a new layer of whipped cream can bring back some of that original fluffiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter is softened properly so it can cream well with the sugar, creating that light texture we love.
Use a light touch when mixing the batter; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Poking holes has a purpose—this allows the gelatin to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is flavorful!
If the gelatin sets too stiffly, add a little more cold water to the mixture next time.
Make it a day ahead! The flavors deepen and improve with time, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Now that you have this vibrant and refreshing recipe in hand, there’s no better time to try it. The zesty lime flavor and fluffy whipped cream topping create a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. As you prepare it, don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors or the presentation; after all, cooking should be fun and personal. So why not invite your friends over, serve them a slice, and enjoy this festive treat together?

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for lime gelatin, you can use any flavor you prefer, such as lemon, orange, or even berry-flavored gelatin for a fun twist. Just adjust the color of the sanding sugar accordingly!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to curdle, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

How long does the poke cake last in the fridge?

Once assembled with the whipped cream, the cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days. After that, the texture may start to change, but it’s still safe to enjoy. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it before adding the cream topping.

Can I use an alternative for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use whipped topping alternatives or a dairy-free whipping cream. Keep in mind that using a substitute may yield a slightly different texture, but it can still be delicious and festive!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 200 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake is a refreshing treat with its zesty lime flavor and fluffy whipped cream topping. Easy to make and perfect for any gathering, it combines simple ingredients for a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine the buttermilk and vanilla in a spouted measuring cup.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in the eggs until well incorporated into the butter mixture.
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the flour, until everything is blended well.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes; let it cool for 30 minutes afterward.
Use a fork to poke holes into the cake, spaced about 1 inch apart.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in 1/2 cup of cold water and pour it over the cake.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set the gelatin.
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until fluffy and soft peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake, sprinkle with green sanding sugar, and serve.

Notes

Make sure to let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to prevent it from making the cake soggy.
Refrigeration is crucial for this cake as it helps the flavors meld and set properly.