Gran'S Easter-Egg Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A delightful Easter-Egg Cake featuring a fluffy angel food cake layered with a tangy lemon-flavored gelatin and cream topping. Tinted green coconut adds festive color, making it perfect for spring celebrations and family gatherings. Light, refreshing, and visually appealing, it suits all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
  • 3/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon rind
  • 1 (8 or 9-inch) angel food cake
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water and let soften.
  2. Blend egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar in the top of a double boiler.
  3. Add lemon juice and lemon rind and cook over simmering water, stirring constantly until mixture is as thick as medium white sauce.
  4. Remove from heat and add softened gelatin, stirring until dissolved.
  5. Chill mixture until it thickens and mounds.
  6. Break angel food cake into small pieces and layer in a serving dish.
  7. Pour the chilled lemon gelatin over the cake pieces.
  8. Whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form and spread over the gelatin layer.
  9. Tint shredded coconut green and sprinkle on top for decoration.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting lime juice for some of the lemon juice. If you're short on time, pre-made angel food cake can save you a step. To ensure the gelatin sets properly, make sure to chill the mixture until it thickens and mounds, as specified. If you don't have shredded coconut, you can use crushed nuts for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gran'S Easter-Egg Cake chilled for the best experience. It pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or vanilla ice cream. For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing with additional lemon slices or edible flowers. This cake is perfect for spring celebrations and goes well with other festive desserts like Aunt Abbie's Ginger Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the cake becomes soggy, try adding additional whipped cream to freshen it up when serving. Reheating is not recommended, as this dessert is best enjoyed cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gran'S Easter-Egg Cake contains roughly 333 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.

333 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 19.2g 25% DV
Carbs 36.6g 13% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 106.7mg 5% DV
Potassium 282.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 136.5mg 46% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 199.5mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 6.3mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 117.6mg 9% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just follow all the steps and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I use instead of gelatin?

If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Follow package instructions for the proper substitution ratio, as it may differ from traditional gelatin.

Can I freeze Gran'S Easter-Egg Cake?

Freezing is not recommended for this cake as the texture may change when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze the whipped cream separately and re-whip it before serving if needed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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