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Homemade St. Patrick's Day Jello Poke Cake

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A festive St. Patrick's Day dessert featuring white cake made with fruit cocktail, soaked with vibrant lime gelatin, and topped with whipped topping, lime zest, and festive sprinkles. The result is a colorful, citrusy cake with bright green pockets of flavor throughout.
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Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 spray cooking oil spray
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
  • 15.25 oz fruit cocktail undrained, syrup used to replace water
  • 6 oz lime gelatin two 3 oz packages for more intense color and flavor
  • 8 oz whipped topping thawed
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1.5 tbsp St. Patrick's Day sprinkles

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Offset spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Apply cooking oil spray to a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure to coat all surfaces including the bottom and sides.
  2. Add the white cake mix and the full can of undrained fruit cocktail (including all the syrup) to a large mixing bowl. Stir together following the cake mix package instructions until the batter is just combined, then transfer it to your prepared pan. Place the pan on a lower oven rack and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick — it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  3. Take the baked cake out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool for 15 minutes. After cooling, take a fork and pierce the entire surface of the cake, creating holes spaced about one inch apart all over.
  4. Mix both packages of lime gelatin following the instructions on the box. Let the gelatin mixture cool down to room temperature or until it's barely warm — it should not be hot when you pour it. Gradually pour the gelatin over the cake's surface, distributing it evenly so it flows into all the holes you created.
  5. Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for 1 to 2 hours, giving the gelatin enough time to firm up completely.
  6. Once the cake is fully chilled and the gelatin is set, spread the thawed whipped topping over the entire surface. Sprinkle the lime zest on top of the whipped layer, followed by the St. Patrick's Day sprinkles for a festive finish. For best results, add the lime zest right before serving to keep it fresh and aromatic.

Notes

Make sure the cake has cooled for the full 15 minutes before poking holes — if it's still too warm, the holes will close up and the gelatin won't soak in properly. Similarly, let the prepared gelatin cool to room temperature before pouring, as hot gelatin can make the cake mushy. This cake is great for making ahead: bake and add the gelatin up to 24 hours in advance, then spread on the whipped topping, lime zest, and sprinkles just before serving. Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake does not freeze well, as both the gelatin and whipped topping break down in texture when thawed.

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