Tell A Neighbor Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Tell A Neighbor Cake is a moist and flavorful layered dessert featuring a light cake infused with Jell-O, offering a subtle fruity or flavored note. Its tender crumb and simple frosting make it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual celebrations, delivering a nostalgic taste of home baking.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. white or yellow cake mix
  • 1/3 c. salad oil
  • 1 pkg. Jell-O
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 c. water

Instructions

  1. Mix the cake mix, salad oil, Jell-O, eggs, and water together until well combined.
  2. Beat the mixture for 4 minutes to incorporate air and ensure a light texture.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 350°F oven-safe baking pan.
  4. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Frost the cooled cake with Brown Butter Icing before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moist cake, consider adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. You can substitute the Jell-O flavor to match your preference, such as using strawberry or lemon for a fruity twist. If you're out of salad oil, vegetable oil works well too. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. It pairs beautifully with Brown Butter Icing, enhancing its rich flavor. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside the Christmas Eve Hot Dish during holiday gatherings for a sweet and savory spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps the cake moist and delicious.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tell A Neighbor Cake contains roughly 152 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.

152 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 5.9g 8% DV
Carbs 22.4g 8% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 171.4mg 7% DV
Potassium 109.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 43mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 53mg 4% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Jell-O to create a unique cake. Strawberry, raspberry, or even lime can add a fun twist to the classic recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly affect the overall taste of the cake.

What can I use instead of the cake mix?

If you prefer a homemade approach, you can substitute the cake mix with a homemade cake batter made from flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then mix with the remaining ingredients as directed.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make this cake in advance! Bake and cool the cake, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature and frost it with Brown Butter Icing for best results.

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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