Key Lime Poke Cake

If you love a good citrusy dessert, this Key Lime Pie Poke Cake is sure to steal the show. With its tangy lime filling and generous layer of whipped cream, it’s a simple Southern-style treat with a twist that tastes like sunshine in every bite.

Easy Key Lime Poke Cake Recipe

Key lime desserts get their signature flavor from—you guessed it—key limes. Smaller and more aromatic than the Persian limes you’ll usually find in the grocery store, key limes have a bright, tangy flavor that makes them perfect for classic treats like key lime pie and this easy Key Lime Poke Cake. That fresh citrus flavor really shines in every bite.

This citrusy poke cake is just the kind of dessert you want to bring along to picnics, potlucks, and parties. It’s simple to prepare, easy to transport, and always a hit thanks to its light, refreshing taste. If you’re looking for an easy summer dessert that travels well, this one checks all the boxes.

Inspired by classic key lime pie, this Key Lime Poke Cake has that same bright, zesty flavor paired with a soft, tender cake and a fluffy topping. It’s a foolproof recipe that bakers of any skill level can make with confidence. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a holiday spread, or just need a crowd-pleasing dessert, this cake fits right in.

Key ingredients to make Key Lime Poke Cake: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Cake – One box white cake mix plus oil, water, and eggs to prepare. You can also make a homemade white buttermilk cake as seen in my recipe here.
• Liquids for the Key Lime Filling – Sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, key lime juice. Plus green food coloring to tint the filling. This is optional.
• Lime – Key lime zest amps up the flavor.
• Frosting – Heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
• Garnish – Sliced almonds for crunch and grated white chocolate for decadence. You could also garnish with lime slices.

How to Make Key Lime Poke Cake Recipe

• Bake the Cake – Prepare prepare per the package directions in a 13×9-inch pan using the amounts of large eggs, oil and water called for on the box. Pour batter into pan and bake per the instructions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes back clean.
• Poke Holes – Once baked, immediately use the handle of a wooden spoon or similar to poke holes over the surface of the cake.
• Make the Key Lime Filling – Combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, lime juice, lime zest and vanilla. Add a few drops of green food coloring, if desired.
• Spread onto Cake – Pour the key lime filling over the top of the cake spreading into the holes. Chill to cool completely.
• Frosting – Whip the remaining heavy cream, vanilla and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Frost the top of the cake with whipped cream.
• Garnish – Sprinkle with the remaining lime zest, toasted sliced almonds and grated white chocolate.
• Refrigerate – Store covered with plastic wrap chilled until serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Key Lime Poke Cake

• A stand mixer or a hand mixer.
• Large bowl and medium bowl.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Citrus grater.
• 13×9 inch baking dish or cake pan.

What Are Key Limes?

• A drop or two of food coloring can be added for visual appeal (completely optional)
• Key limes are smaller than the Persian (or Mexican) limes commonly found in grocery stores.
• They have thinner, smoother skin and a more delicate texture.
• The flavor is more tart, aromatic, and slightly floral than regular limes.
• This bold citrus flavor gives key lime desserts their signature tangy taste.
• Key lime juice is more yellow in color, rather than bright green.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Cake Mix – You can use french vanilla cake mix, butter cake mix or golden cake mix.
• Can You Substitute Key Lime Juice? Regular lime juice can be used as an easy substitute.
• Combine with Lemon Juice – For a more authentic flavor, use a mix of half lime juice and half lemon juice.
• Store-Bought Lime Juice – Bottled key lime juice is another convenient option if fresh key limes aren’t available.
• Any of these options will still give you a bright, citrusy flavor that works well in this recipe.
• Cake – You could make this poke cake using yellow cake mix or butter cake mix.

Storage and Leftovers

• Can You Make Poke Cake the Day Before? Yes, you can! Poke cakes don’t get soggy they magically soak in the filling and get better and better each day.
• Leftovers – This key lime cake will keep covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy!

More Poke Cake Recipes to Make

Poke cakes are the perfect dessert, they come in a plethora of flavor combinations, and are so fun to make They have the bonus of being made in a 13×9-inch cake pan making them easy to transport to family get-togethers, church potlucks and office gatherings. Other Southern style poke cake flavors you may like to try:

• My Carrot Cake Poke Cake recipe is always popular at the holidays.
• Citrus filled Lemon Burst Poke Cake.
• Salted Caramel Coconut Poke Cake recipe is rich and decadent.
• Strawberries and Cream Poke Cake is a feast for the eyes.
• Orange Pound Cake is filled with a zesty simple syrup.
• Hummingbird Cake Poke Cake is a riff on an iconic Hummingbird Cake recipe.
• Buttered Rum Cake is a fan favorite!
• Boston Cream Poke Cake from The Midnight Baker.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Stand Mixer
• Cooling Racks
• Measuring Set
• 13×9-inch Pan