Jimmy Gomes' Favorite Jello Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A light and refreshing lemon Jell-O cake featuring bright citrus flavors, perfect for spring and summer gatherings, appealing to those who love tangy, sweet desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 box lemon Jell-O
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 3/4 cup Wesson oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • juice from 2 large lemons

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the lemon Jell-O in hot water and set aside to cool.
  2. Add the oil and eggs to the lemon cake mix, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Combine the cooled Jell-O with the cake batter and mix thoroughly.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider substituting half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce, which will keep the cake moist while reducing fat. You can also use any other flavor of Jell-O if lemon isn't your favorite. Ensure the Jell-O is completely cooled before mixing it into the batter for a smoother consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This Jello cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries on the side or a light fruit salad would also make a refreshing complement. It pairs beautifully with Florence'S Fruit Bars for a dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Jello cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds until warmed, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jimmy Gomes' Favorite Jello Cake contains roughly 161 calories, with 1g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).

161 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 34.9g 13% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 8.2g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 77.3mg 3% DV
Potassium 183.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 21.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 38mg 3% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 use a different flavor of Jell-O for this recipe?

Absolutely! While lemon is traditional, any flavor of Jell-O can be used to create a unique cake. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will change accordingly, so choose a flavor you enjoy.

What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sunken cake can be due to underbaking or too much liquid in the batter. Make sure to bake it until a toothpick comes out clean and avoid opening the oven door too early. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free lemon cake mix for a gluten-free version of this Jello cake. Just check the ingredients on the box to ensure it's fully gluten-free, and follow the same instructions for preparation.

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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