Jello Cake

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 35 m Beginner
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Jello Cake
J-E-L-L-O - Even the simplest Jell-O dessert is a joy. Here is one dessert that will take your taste buds one step further with cake mix, lemon or orange jello, and a sweet citrus glaze. Dale Begnaud in memory of his mother’s Cajun cooking.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 box white or yellow cake mix
  • 1 small box (3 oz / 85 g) lemon or orange jello
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • rind of 1 lemon or orange, grated
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 stick (2 tablespoons / 30 g) margarine or butter (oleo is margarine)
  • 2 lemons, juiced

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a tube pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, jello, water, vegetable oil, eggs and fruit rind. Mix until well combined.
  3. Pour batter into prepared tube pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Remove from oven and, using a sharp knife, break away the cake from the edge of the pan. Punch holes around the top of the cake with a wooden skewer or fork to allow the glaze to soak in.
  5. For the glaze topping, mix powdered sugar, 1/4 stick (2 tablespoons) of margarine or butter, and the juice of the two lemons (or enough orange juice) to make a spreading consistency. Stir until smooth.
  6. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake while still hot and let it cool completely in the pan. The glaze will soak into the holes and create a moist, flavorful cake.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my glaze too thick or too thin?

A: The consistency depends on how much lemon or orange juice you add to the powdered sugar and butter. Start with less juice and add gradually until it reaches a pourable but not watery consistency - it should slowly drip off a spoon.

Q: Can I use a different pan if I don't have a tube pan?

A: Yes, you can use a 9x13 inch baking pan instead. The baking time may be slightly less, so start checking for doneness around 45-50 minutes. The tube pan helps the cake bake evenly and makes a prettier presentation, but it's not required.

Tips and Techniques

Punch plenty of holes in the hot cake before adding the glaze - this allows the sweet citrus mixture to soak deep into the cake, creating pockets of flavor throughout. Don’t skip this step or you’ll just have glaze sitting on top instead of throughout the cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • white or yellow cake mix: lemon cake mix
  • vegetable oil: melted butter or coconut oil
  • oleo: butter

Equipment Needed

  • tube pan (or bundt pan)
  • mixing bowl
  • grater or zester
  • wooden skewer or fork
  • small bowl for glaze

Historical Context

Jell-O poke cakes became popular in the 1970s and remain a Southern potluck favorite. This version uses Jell-O powder mixed into the batter rather than liquid Jell-O poured over after baking, creating a different but equally delicious result.