St. Patrick’s Day might be synonymous with green beer and Irish soda bread, but let me share a slice of heaven that’s sure to enchant your taste buds: St. Patrick’s Day Lime Poke Cake. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a refreshing celebration of zesty lime goodness, perfect for the enthusiastic reveler or anyone who simply adores a delightful sweet treat. The moist layers of cake are infused with vibrant lime flavor that dances on your palate, making it a fantastic alternative to the usual festive fare.

Table of Contents

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

Our journey begins with the essence of summer captured within the rich buttery cake that sings with tangy notes of lime. This poke cake is so light and airy; you’ll find it’s like a warm hug after a long day. What sets it apart is the refreshing gelatin that seeps into the poked holes of the cake, creating a moist and flavorful treat that beckons you to come back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Trust me, you’ll want to whip up this stunning dessert to impress your guests or just to satisfy that sweet craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping this zesty delight takes only about 20 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the amazing combination of a fluffy cake balanced by a tart lime punch.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant green color and luscious whipped cream make it a striking centerpiece.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This forms the rich base of the cake, giving it that buttery goodness. Always ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure, this ingredient provides the cake with its tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder for extra fluffiness.
1/2 teaspoon fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 1/4 cups buttermilk, well shaken: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the lime perfectly.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cake.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens your cake while creating a lovely crumb structure.
3 large eggs, lightly beaten: Binds the ingredients together, adding richness.
3 ounces lime gelatin: This is the star of our show, providing that unmistakable zesty flavor that permeates the cake.
2 cups heavy cream, cold: For whipping into a light topping that adds creaminess.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for cream): Sweetens the whipped cream just enough without overwhelming the lime flavor.
Green sanding sugar: Just for garnish, this adds a fun festive touch!

How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Lime Poke Cake

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming, butter a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a mixing 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. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents throughout your cake batter.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a spouted measuring cup, combine 1 1/4 cups well-shaken buttermilk and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. This mixture will add both moisture and flavor to your cake.

Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake as it helps to incorporate air.

Incorporate Eggs: Slowly pour in the 3 lightly beaten eggs, mixing thoroughly until fully combined. This will help give your cake a smooth consistency.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture to ensure everything blends together seamlessly.

Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes.

Poke Holes: After cooling, take a fork and poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. These holes will allow the gelatin mixture to seep into the cake, enhancing its flavor.

Prepare Gelatin: In a bowl, dissolve 3 ounces of lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Then mix in 1/2 cup of cold water. Pour this over the poked cake, allowing it to soak in, infusing each bite with delicious lime flavor.

Chill: Now, cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This cooling step lets those flavors meld beautifully and helps the cake set perfectly.

Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip together 2 cups of cold heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and an extra hint of vanilla. Whip until soft peaks form—this is what will create that light, fluffy topping on your cake.

Top Cake: After chilling, spread the whipped cream generously over the lime-infused cake. Don’t forget to have some fun and sprinkle green sanding sugar on top for that delightful pop of color!

Serve: Slice, serve, and watch everyone enjoy a taste of spring with every forkful.

Storing & Reheating

To store your St. Patrick’s Day Lime Poke Cake, cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll last up to 5 days, nestled within an airtight container to maintain its moistness. If you want to save some for a later day, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag. When ready to indulge, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The whipped cream may soften a touch, so a quick whip or squeeze of fresh cream can refresh it if desired.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to use room-temperature eggs and butter for easier mixing and a fluffier batter.
For a more intense lime flavor, consider adding some freshly grated lime zest to the batter.
If your whipped cream isn’t thickening, it might be too warm—try chilling your bowl and beaters before whipping.
When poking holes in the cake, don’t skip this step! It’s vital for letting the gelatin blend into the cake evenly.
Experiments with different flavor jellies can offer unique twists on this poke cake!

This dessert is not simply a cake; it’s a vibrant touch of festivity served on a plate. The zesty lime and airy whipped cream create the kind of refreshment that’s perfect for any day, not just St. Patrick’s Day. So don your best green attire, gather your friends and family, and get ready to indulge in every slice of joy this zesty lime poke cake has to offer. Enjoy the medley of flavors and the smiles it brings around the table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other flavors of gelatin?

Absolutely! While lime gelatin brings a unique zestiness to the cake, you can experiment with other flavors such as lemon, strawberry, or raspberry. Each will give you a deliciously different cake that still keeps the poke cake concept.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking?

Using a well-buttered pan or parchment paper is crucial for easy release. After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack for complete cooling.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help achieve the same tender texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before using.

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St. Patrick’s 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: Cakes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This St. Patrick’s Day Lime Poke Cake is a delightful treat that features zesty lime flavor and a creamy topping. Perfect for celebrations and easy to make with simple ingredients!

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 butter a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a spouted measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar at medium speed for about 5 minutes until fluffy.
Gradually mix in the eggs into the butter mixture.
Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes afterward.
Using a fork, poke holes 1 inch apart throughout the cake.
Dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, add 1/2 cup of cold water, and pour the mixture over the poked cake.
Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to set.
Whip the cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until fluffy in a chilled bowl.
Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake, sprinkle with green sanding sugar, and serve.

Notes

Ensure the buttermilk is well shaken for even consistency.
For extra flavor, consider adding lime zest to the whipped cream topping.
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.