Are you craving a light, zesty dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Lemon Cake Jello recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious treat. It combines the fluffy texture of lemon cake with the jiggly delight of jello, creating a unique and refreshing dessert that's sure to impress your family and friends. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, making it an ideal addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
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For the Lemon Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
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For the Jello:
- 1 (3 ounce) package lemon-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions:
1. Baking the Lemon Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
2. Preparing the Jello:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the lemon jello. In a medium bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add the cold water and stir again until well combined. Let the jello mixture cool slightly until it begins to thicken, but don't let it set completely. This will ensure it blends well with the cake.
3. Combining Cake and Jello:
Once the cake is completely cool, poke holes all over the top using a fork or toothpick. This helps the jello soak into the cake beautifully, creating a moist and flavorful dessert. Pour the slightly thickened jello mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring all the holes are filled. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the jello to fully set.
4. Serving:
Once the jello has set, slice the Lemon Cake Jello into squares and serve chilled. You can garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few lemon slices for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the cake batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Make sure the jello is slightly thickened before pouring it over the cake; otherwise, it might not set properly.
- If you want a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon extract to the cake batter.
- For a fun variation, use different flavored jello, like strawberry or raspberry, to complement the lemon cake.
Variations:
- Strawberry Lemon Cake Jello: Substitute strawberry jello for lemon jello.
- Raspberry Lemon Cake Jello: Substitute raspberry jello for lemon jello.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake and the jello for extra richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, it's a relatively light dessert compared to many other options. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient details.
This Lemon Cake Jello is a fantastic choice for potlucks, picnics, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful and refreshing experience. It's an easy recipe that’s perfect for quick dinner ideas, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!