The St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake is a delightful celebration of flavors that embodies the spirit of festivity and joy. With its vibrant green color that’s perfect for any St. Patrick’s Day gathering, this poke cake is a deliciously zesty treat. Each slice reveals a moist, fluffy cake infused with refreshing lime, ensuring every bite is a burst of citrusy goodness. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a hint of sugar for sparkle, it’s a dessert that will have your friends and family requesting seconds.

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 can still remember the first time I made this poke cake for a St. Patrick’s Day party. Everyone was mesmerized by its bright green hue and the playful presentation. Something about the luscious lime flavor mixed with whipped cream just stole the show, making it a memorable highlight of the day. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just looking for a sunny dessert to brighten up your afternoon, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between fun and flavor. I can guarantee you’ll be thrilled with the results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this cake in just 20 minutes, and let it chill for a refreshing treat.
Irresistible Flavor: The lively lime flavor is both refreshing and indulgent, perfect for any palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant green color and sparkly topping make it a showstopper at any event.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, picnics, or as a delightful end to dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt it for gluten-free or dairy-free diets if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our cake. Use a flour with high protein content for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and creates that airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a perfect puff.
1/2 teaspoon fine salt: Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
1 1/4 cups buttermilk, well shaken: This adds tanginess and moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar as a substitute.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile, making it deliciously aromatic.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a crumb that’s beautifully tender.
3 large eggs, lightly beaten: Provides structure and moisture to the cake.
3 ounces lime gelatin: Pack a punch of green flavor and ensures those delightful lime flavors seep into the cake.
2 cups heavy cream, cold: This will be whipped to top the cake; cold cream whips better.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for cream): Just a hint of sweetness to balance the richness of the cream.
Green sanding sugar (for sprinkling): Not only adds sweetness but gives that festive touch!

How to Make St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter allows your cake to slide out easily after baking.

Whisk dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

Mix wet ingredients: In a spouted measuring cup, combine 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and flavor as well.

Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer at medium speed to cream together the softened 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Incorporate eggs: Slowly add in the 3 lightly beaten eggs, mixing until fully incorporated. This builds the structure of your cake.

Combine ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Make sure to mix just until combined – overmixing can cause a dense cake.

Spread batter and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes.

Poke holes in the cake: Once cooled, use a fork to poke holes about 1 inch apart all across the top of the cake. This is where the lime gelatin will seep in.

Prepare lime gelatin topping: In a bowl, dissolve the 3 ounces of lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to cool it down. Pour this mixture evenly over the poked cake, letting it sink into the holes.

Chill the cake: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and settle beautifully.

Whip the cream: Using a chilled mixing bowl, whip 2 cups of cold heavy cream with the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until soft peaks form. This fluffy topping adds a rich texture on top of the cake that pairs perfectly with the tartness of lime.

Top and serve: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake, finishing off with a sprinkling of green sanding sugar for that festive touch. Slice, serve, and watch your guests light up with joy!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months; wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and serve chilled. Note that while freezing won’t drastically change the cake, the texture might become slightly denser, so refreshing it with a new layer of whipped cream can brighten it up.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Keep a close eye on your baking time; an overbaked cake can be dry, while an underbaked one will collapse.
If the cake sinks slightly in the center, it may have been underbaked. A flat cake can still taste delicious!
Try experimenting with flavored gelatin, like raspberry or lemon, for a fun twist.
Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s crucial for the flavors to fully develop and meld.

The refreshing zesty flavor of the St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake not only celebrates the holiday but also brings joy to anyone who enjoys it. By following this simple recipe, you’ll craft a dessert that brightens any table and brings smiles to every gathering. Don’t hesitate to add your unique twist – the beauty of baking lies in experimentation and personalization. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in a slice of this delightful creation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour. Just ensure that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How far in advance can I make this poke cake?

You can prepare this cake a day in advance. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors become more pronounced after chilling in the refrigerator.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?

Yes! You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. Just ensure that you’re opting for brands free of any trans fats to maintain the integrity of your dessert.

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other gelatin flavors. Raspberry or lemon can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a unique twist while still giving you that fun, colorful poke cake.

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

Print Recipe

Description

This St. Patricks Day Lime Poke Cake features a refreshing lime flavor and a fluffy cream topping, making it a perfect treat for festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s sure to impress your guests!

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.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine buttermilk and vanilla in a spouted measuring cup.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar at medium speed for 5 minutes until fluffy.
Gradually mix in the eggs into the butter mixture.
Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the batter, starting and ending with flour.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Let it cool for 30 minutes after baking.
Poke holes about 1 inch apart across the top of the cake using a fork.
Dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, then mix in 1/2 cup of cold water, and pour it over the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to absorb the gelatin mixture.
Whip the cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla in a chilled bowl until fluffy.
Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake, sprinkle with green sanding sugar, and serve.

Notes

Ensure the buttermilk is well shaken for even mixing.
Chill the bowl before whipping the cream for a better texture.
This cake can be made a day in advance for the flavors to develop.