Lemon Jello Cake

Lemon Jello Cake is a zesty, easy-to-make dessert made with a lemon cake mix and lemon Jello, topped with a fresh and easy lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion!

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Table of Contents

Lemon Jello Cake Ingredients
Lemon Jello Cake Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Lemon Jello Cake
Troubleshooting
How To Serve Lemon Jello Cake With Glaze
How To Store Lemon Jell-O Poke Cake
Why This Lemon Jello Cake Is The Best
Lemon Jello Cake Frequently Asked Questions
More Lemon Desserts
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We created this ultra moist lemon Jello cake recipe for all the lemon lovers! It’s a simple recipe that packs a punch of lemony zing. Topped with a simple, pourable glaze that seeps down into the holes of this easy poke cake, every bite is packed full of sweet lemon flavor.

We start with a boxed lemon cake mix to save you time and incorporate lemon Jell-O into the mix. This gives the cake extra flavor and moisture, and turns a basic cake into an amazing recipe you can serve your family or friends.

Just like our other Jell-o poke cake recipes, this lemon version is sure to be a new family favorite. With a simple ingredients list and a few minutes in the kitchen, you can have a homemade cake ready in no time.

Lemon Jello Cake Ingredients

Lemon Jello Cake raw ingredients that are labeled

Lemon Jello Cake is a refreshing, zesty treat that’s incredibly easy to make. The combination of lemon cake mix and lemon gelatin gives it a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to be delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful Lemon Cake with Jello:

For the Lemon Cake

1 (15.25 ounce) lemon cake mix
1 (3 ounce) lemon gelatin
1 ¼ cup water
¾ cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, room temperature

For the Lemon Glaze

2 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Thinly sliced lemons for optional garnish

Lemon Jello Cake Substitutions and Additions

This easy lemon cake recipe was developed to give you a moist and delicious lemon cake with none of the hassle. Remember that substitutions can sometimes change the texture and taste of the recipe.

If you need to adjust the Jello Lemon Cake recipe based on your dietary preferences, needs, or available ingredients, here are some helpful suggestions.

Lemon Cake Mix: You can use a white or yellow cake mix if you don’t have lemon cake mix on hand. Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter to boost the lemon flavor, or add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.

Lemon Gelatin: If lemon gelatin isn’t available, you can use any citrus-flavored gelatin, like lime or orange, for a different twist. Be aware that this will change the overall flavor of the cake.

Vegetable Oil: Substitute with an equal amount of melted butter or a neutral-flavored oil like canola. Butter will add a richer taste and a slightly denser texture.

Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used in place of fresh, though the flavor may not be as bright. You could also mix lemon juice with a bit of lime juice for a different citrus flavor.

Thinly Sliced Lemons (Optional Garnish): If you want to add more color and flavor, consider garnishing with thin slices of other citrus fruits like limes or oranges.

How to Make Lemon Jello Cake

To make this lemon Jello poke cake, you’re going to doctor up a box cake mix and bake it. Then, you’ll simply poke holes in the cake and spread a lemon glaze over top. It’s a delicious lemon dessert that’s perfect for summer parties/

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

PRO TIP:

We like to use a baking spray that contains flour, like Baker’s Joy.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, add the dry lemon cake mix and the lemon Jello mix. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.

STEP THREE: Add the cold water, vegetable oil, and room temperature eggs to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a hand mixer on medium-low speed to blend the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until completely incorporated.

This should take about two to three minutes. Make sure the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

cold water, vegetable oil, and room temperature eggs added to the bowl with the dry ingredients

STEP FOUR: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

PRO TIP:

Since all ovens are different, start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Don’t overbake the cake or it might end up dry.

cake batter poured into the baking dish and baked

STEP FIVE: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, add the sifted powdered sugar.

Whisk in the fresh lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The glaze should have a pourable consistency.

sifted powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice combined in a bowl

STEP SIX: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately use a bamboo skewer or chopstick to poke holes all over the cake. Space the holes about a quarter to half inch apart.

This allows the glaze to seep into the cake.

STEP SEVEN: Pour the prepared glaze over the hot cake. Use a spoon or an offset spatula (or the back of a spoon) to spread it evenly across the entire top of the cake, making sure it fills all the holes.

Let the glaze soak into the cake.

STEP EIGHT: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes, or until the glaze is set and the cake is no longer warm.

STEP NINE: Just before serving, cut the cake into 15 slices. Garnish with lemon slices and serve!

Troubleshooting

While this classic lemon poke cake recipe is easy to follow, there are a few simple tips that can help ensure your cake comes out perfectly.

Here’s advice from our recipe developers:

The Jello in the cake mix can make the cake stick to the pan, so be sure to spray it well before baking.
Take time to bring your eggs to room temperature. This helps the batter incorporate so much more easily. You can just let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes before you start baking.
If your cake looks like it’s baking unevenly about halfway through the baking time, rotate it in the oven.
If your glaze seems too thick to pour, add more lemon juice to thin in out. This will give it more lemon flavor instead of watering it down.
The holes should be made with the cake is still hot, and you should pour the glaze right away, too. The hot cake melts the glaze and helps it seep into the holes.

How To Serve Lemon Jello Cake With Glaze

This lemon Jello dessert is the perfect cake for a spring day or simple family dinner. It’s so quick and easy to make that you can serve it anytime you want to treat your kids to a special dessert.

Here are some fun ways to serve Lemon Jell-O Cake.

There’s something classic and comfortable about serving this cake straight from the baking dish onto dessert plates. Serve with a scoop of Cool Whip or ice cream.

To make this dessert a bit fancier, you can place slices on a serving platter. Garnish with a bit of lemon zest or give the top of the lemon cake pieces a smear of lemon curd.

We love the easy lemon glaze on this cake, but if you want to make your cake a bit richer, you can add lemon buttercream or a simple Cool Whip frosting.

We like this cake with tea or coffee. The sweet lemon flavor is perfect with a hot beverage. If you want to highlight a lemon theme, make a fresh batch of homemade raspberry lemonade (or this grown-up hard lemonade!).

This easy recipe is ideal for family gatherings and office parties. It’s a simple cake that’s easy to serve and universally enjoyed.

MORE JELLO CAKE RECIPES

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How To Store Lemon Jell-O Poke Cake

This flavorful dessert will be even better the next day, so make sure you store your leftovers.

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, we suggest making it no more than one day in advance for the best taste and texture. Store it in the fridge covered. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve it, remove it from the fridge so the cake has a chance to return to room temperature.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover lemon Jello cake in the fridge to keep it fresh. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

It will last up to five days in the refrigerator.

IN THE FREEZER: If you want to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

The cake can be frozen for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.

Why This Lemon Jello Cake Is The Best

This easy recipe will quickly become a favorite in your house. Here’s why we’re sure you’ll love it:

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this cake in no time.

Bright and Refreshing: The fresh lemon flavor is a perfect pick-me-up for any party or after-dinner treat.

Kid-Approved: The fun, tangy taste is a hit with both kids and adults.

Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the flavor of lemon! This dessert is always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and parties.

Minimal Cleanup: One mixing bowl and a baking dish are all you need, making cleanup a breeze.

Lemon Jello Cake Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Yes, you can use any citrus-flavored gelatin like lime or orange for a different twist, or use your imagination and experiment with other Jello flavors. Raspberry Jello powder will give your cake a wonderful raspberry lemonade flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day in advance and store it tightly covered.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor. It’s ok to leave the lemon juice out, but your glaze will taste sweet, and not lemony. It will still be delicious!

Can I use a different box of cake mix?

Yes, you can use white or yellow cake mix and add extra lemon zest for flavor.

Lemon Jello Cake is a refreshingly sweet and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Start with a boxed cake mix and a package of Jello for a lemon dessert you’ll devour.

a baking dish of Lemon Jello Cake with a few slices missing

More Lemon Desserts

Lemon Jello Cake

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Lemon Jello Cake is a zesty, easy-to-make dessert made with a lemon cake mix and lemon Jello, topped with a fresh and easy lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1 10

Servings

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Ingredients

For the Lemon Cake

15.25 ounces lemon cake mix, 432g (We used Duncan Hines brand)
3 ounces lemon gelatin, 85g (We used Jell-O brand)
1 ¼ cup water
¾ cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, room temperature

For the Lemon Glaze

2 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Thinly sliced lemons, for optional garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray. (We used Baker’s Joy)
Add the dry cake mix and lemon gelatin to a medium size (2-3 quarts) mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
Add the water, vegetable oil and eggs to the dry cake mix and gelatin. Use a handheld mixer on medium low speed to mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until completely incorporated.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes away clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep in mind that all ovens cook differently, so begin checking the cake at 25 minutes.
While the cake is baking, add the sifted powdered sugar to a small (3-4 cups) mixing bowl.
Whisk in the lemon zest and fresh squeezed lemon juice until smooth.
Once the cake is baked, use a bamboo skewer to poke holes in the cake ¼ – ½ inches apart while the cake is hot.
Immediately pour the glaze over the cake. Use a spoon or an offset spatula to carefully spread the glaze.
Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes, or until completely cooled.
Just before you are ready to serve, cut 3 slices x 5 slices. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

Notes

The Jello in the cake mix can make the cake stick to the pan, so be sure to spray it well before baking.
Take time to bring your eggs to room temperature. This helps the batter incorporate so much more easily. You can just let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes before you start baking.
If your cake looks like it’s baking unevenly about halfway through the baking time, rotate it.
If your glaze seems too thick to pour, add more lemon juice to thin in out. This will give it more lemon flavor instead of watering it down.
The holes should be made with the cake is still hot, and you should pour the glaze right away, too. The hot cake melts the glaze and helps it seep into the holes.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Lemon Jello Cake

Lemon Jello Cake Ingredients

Lemon Jello Cake Substitutions and Additions

How to Make Lemon Jello Cake

Troubleshooting

How To Serve Lemon Jello Cake With Glaze

Jello Poke Cake

Rainbow Jello Cake

How To Store Lemon Jell-O Poke Cake

Why This Lemon Jello Cake Is The Best

Lemon Jello Cake Frequently Asked Questions

More Lemon Desserts