This Key Lime Pie Poke Cake is seriously amazing and super simple to make! A moist white cake with a homemade tart and tangy Key lime filling and a creamy and fluffy graham cracker whipped cream topping makes this the most perfect spring and summertime cake!
Prep Time2 hourshrs40 minutesmins
Cook Time35 minutesmins
Total Time3 hourshrs15 minutesmins
Course: Cake, Cakes/Cupcakes, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Key Lime Filling:
3large eggs
1/2cupgranulated white sugar
1/2cupKey lime juicelike by Nellie and Joe's brand
3tspfresh lime zestfrom 2-3 medium limes
6Tbspunsalted butter, softened
For the Cake:
One(15.25 oz) box white cake mix
3/4cupwater
1/2cupKey lime juice
1/3cupvegetable oil
3large eggs
1Tbsplime gelatin powder
For the Topping:
8ounces(One package) cream cheese, softened
1½cupsheavy whipping cream
1cupconfectioners' sugar
1/2cupgraham cracker crumbs
Sliced limes for garnish, optional
Instructions
First, make your filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lime zest and juice and butter together until combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a pudding/curd consistency, about 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl and discard any solids left behind. Cover the curd in the bowl with plastic wrap directly onto the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350° degrees F. Liberally grease a 9x13 light metal rectangular baking pan with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, Key lime juice, oil and lime gelatin until combined, about 1 minute. Pour the batter into the pan evenly and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with moist, but not wet, crumbs, Cool about 30 minutes, then poke holes all over the surface of the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon. Finish cooling completely, then spread the curd filling evenly over the surface of the cake.
For the topping: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the cream cheese with the paddle attachment until fluffy and smooth, about 30 seconds. Add in the confectioners' sugar and heavy whipping cream and switch to the whisk attachment. Whip on high speed for about 5-7 minutes or until stiff peaks are achieved. Beat in the graham cracker crumbs.
Spread the topping evenly over the cake. Garnish with fresh lime wheels if desired. Store any leftover cake covered in the fridge.
Notes
This recipe was tested using Nellie and Joe's Key Lime juice, which you can find in the juice aisle at most grocery stores.