Of course! A Key Lime Poke Cake is the perfect, easy, and incredibly refreshing dessert for any occasion. It’s a fantastic way to get that tangy, sweet key lime flavor in a no-fuss cake.
Here’s a classic and highly rated recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Key Lime Poke Cake
This recipe starts with a simple box mix for ease but is transformed into something spectacular with a homemade key lime filling and topping.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 25-35 minutes
Chill time: 4+ hours (best overnight)
Serves: 12-15
Ingredients
For the Cake:
· 1 box (15.25 oz) classic white or yellow cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Key Lime Poke Filling:
· 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
· 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled, like Nellie & Joe’s)
· 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
For the Topping:
· 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
· 1/4 cup powdered sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· Zest of 1-2 limes, for garnish
· Thin lime slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake:
· Preheat your oven according to the cake mix directions (usually 350°F / 175°C).
· Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
· Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
· Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes. Do not turn the oven off yet. - Prepare the Filling & Poke the Holes:
· While the cake is cooling, in a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It will thicken slightly.
· Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a round chopstick, poke holes all over the warm cake. Make sure the holes go all the way down to the bottom, but don’t poke all the way through the pan. - Soak the Cake:
· Slowly pour the key lime filling mixture over the warm cake, aiming to fill the holes as much as possible. Use a spatula to gently spread it and help it seep down.
· Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. - Add the Topping & Chill:
· Once the cake is completely cool, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
· Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled cake.
· Garnish with freshly grated lime zest and thin lime slices if desired.
· Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This crucial step allows the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. - Serve:
· Slice, serve cold, and enjoy the creamy, tangy, deliciousness!
Tips for the Perfect Poke Cake
· Poke While Warm: Poking the holes while the cake is still warm allows the filling to seep in more easily.
· Don’t Skimp on the Holes: Poke plenty of holes! This ensures every bite is infused with the key lime flavor.
· The Tang Factor: For a stronger, tangier key lime flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of key lime juice to the filling.
· Topping Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, you can use an 8 oz tub of frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, instead of making fresh whipped cream.
· Cream Cheese Variation: For a richer, sturdier topping, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Fold this into the whipped cream (or thawed whipped topping) before spreading.
Common Questions
· Can I use regular limes? Yes, you can. It will then be a “Lime Poke Cake.” Key limes have a distinct, more aromatic and tart flavor, but regular Persian limes work perfectly well.
· Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. It needs that long chill time anyway, so making it the day before is ideal.
· Why is my filling runny? If the cake is too hot when you pour the filling on, it can sometimes thin it out. Letting it cool for the 15-20 minutes first helps. The filling will set firm in the refrigerator.
This cake is always a huge hit—creamy, tangy, sweet, and so satisfying. Enjoy