Lemon Jello Rainbow Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Vibrant rainbow layers of lemon-flavored cake combine with a tangy glaze, perfect for celebrations and adding a colorful touch to any dessert table.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 box lemon Jell-O
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup Wesson oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
  • food coloring

Instructions

  1. Combine the cake mix, lemon Jell-O, water, oil, lemon flavoring, and eggs. Mix well.
  2. Divide the batter into three separate bowls and add different food coloring to each.
  3. Pour the colored batter alternately into a greased angel food cake pan, layering the colors.
  4. Swirl the batter with a spatula to create a marbled effect.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cake to cool, then apply a glaze icing on top.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the lemon flavor, consider using fresh lemon juice instead of water. If you want a lighter texture, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. For a fun twist, you can use a combination of different flavored Jell-O to create a unique rainbow effect. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the food coloring to maintain the marbling.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Jello Rainbow Cake is perfect for birthday parties or festive gatherings. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Pat'S Easy Truffles for a delightful dessert table. Garnish with fresh berries or lemon zest for an added touch of freshness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm, to enjoy the cake's moistness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Jello Rainbow Cake contains roughly 36 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

36 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 7.3g 3% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 26.2mg 1% DV
Potassium 45.3mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 21.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 21.2mg 2% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly 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?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or lime to create unique color combinations and tastes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will also impact the overall taste of the cake, so choose a flavor that complements lemon.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container. If you're planning to frost it, wait until the day of serving to apply the glaze icing to keep it fresh.

What can I do if the cake is too dry?

If the cake turns out dry, you can brush the cooled cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved. This will add moisture and enhance the sweetness. Another option is to serve it with a sauce or cream to add moisture.

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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