Key Lime Poke Cake

Introduction

Key Lime Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical, tangy flavor of key lime with the soft, airy texture of a traditional cake.

This dessert has become a favorite for summer gatherings, barbecues, and special occasions due to its refreshing taste and simple preparation.

The cake is infused with key lime flavor through “poking” holes into the cake after baking and filling them with a sweet, tart key lime mixture.

It’s topped with a creamy, whipped topping that adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a no-fuss dessert that looks beautiful and tastes even better.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box of white cake mix (or you can make it from scratch)

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

For the Key Lime Filling:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)

Zest of 2 key limes (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, to sweeten the whipped topping)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)

For Garnish (Optional):

Lime wedges

Key lime zest

Crushed graham crackers (to add a nice crunch and remind of traditional key lime pie)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.

Prepare the Cake Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.

Follow the instructions on the cake mix box or mix everything until smooth. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes for a better consistency.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake

Poke Holes: After the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced, but don’t poke all the way through to the bottom of the cake—just deep enough to allow the key lime filling to soak in.

Step 3: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the key lime juice and lime zest (if using). Stir well until everything is well combined and smooth.

Pour the Filling: Slowly pour the key lime mixture over the top of the cake, making sure to fill the holes you created. Gently spread it out to cover the surface of the cake.

Let It Set: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to soak in. Then, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the cake is fully chilled and the filling has set.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Whipped Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, take the whipped topping and add powdered sugar (if desired) and vanilla extract for extra sweetness and flavor. Whip it a little with a hand mixer to stiffen it.

Spread the Topping: Once the cake is fully chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake, covering it completely. If you want a more decorative touch, you can use a piping bag to pipe the whipped topping in a decorative pattern.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish: Optional, but for an extra touch, sprinkle some key lime zest over the top, garnish with lime wedges, and add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers to mimic the traditional key lime pie crust.

Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. The tangy, creamy, and sweet flavor will surely be a hit with everyone who tries it!

Tips

Cake Mix Alternative: While using a store-bought cake mix is the simplest option, you can also make your own homemade white cake. A basic vanilla cake or yellow cake can work equally well.

Make it More Tangy: If you prefer a stronger lime flavor, you can increase the amount of key lime juice in the filling or add a bit more zest. Just be careful not to overpower the cake.

Non-Dairy Version: If you’re looking for a non-dairy or vegan option, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free version made with coconut milk, and use a non-dairy whipped topping.

Add Fruit: For a fruity twist, consider adding some diced fresh strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi on top of the whipped topping for added color and flavor.

storage

This cake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.

Since it’s best served chilled, storing it in the fridge allows the flavors to continue to meld and enhances the creamy, tangy taste.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake, but note that the whipped topping might lose its texture when frozen and thawed.

To freeze, cut the cake into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

On its own: This cake is delightful on its own and doesn’t need much to shine. The balance of sweet and tart, with a creamy finish, is simply irresistible.

Pair with a Tropical Drink: To enhance the tropical theme, serve the cake with a refreshing drink like a coconut water, lemonade, or a chilled mojito.

Add Some Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The coolness of the ice cream complements the tangy sweetness of the cake.

Conclusion

Key Lime Poke Cake is an easy, fun, and vibrant dessert that will bring a burst of flavor to any occasion. The combination of fluffy cake, a tangy key lime filling, and a creamy topping is irresistibly delicious.

With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday dinner, or just looking for a refreshing treat to enjoy with family, this cake is the perfect choice. Enjoy every bite of this tropical delight!