Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

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12
servings
1 pkg

yellow cake mix

1 unit

lemon zest

divided

1 unit

lemon juice

divided

1 tbsp

cornstarch

0.5 cup

sugar

divided

1.25 cup

water

1 pkg

JELL-O Lemon Flavor Gelatin

2 unit

egg whites

0.13 tsp

cream of tartar

1 cup

COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

thawed

Step 1
~4 min

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2
~4 min

Prepare cake batter as directed on package for 2 (9-inch) round layers, blending half the lemon zest into batter.

Step 3
~4 min

Pour batter into prepared pans.

Step 4
~4 min

Bake as directed on package.

Step 5
~4 min

Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes.

Step 6
~4 min

Invert onto wire racks and gently remove pans.

Step 7
~4 min

Cool cakes completely.

Step 8
~4 min

Mix cornstarch and 2 Tbsp. sugar in a medium saucepan.

Step 9
~4 min

Gradually stir in water.

Step 10
~4 min

Bring to a boil on medium heat and cook for 8 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 11
~4 min

Remove from heat.

Step 12
~4 min

Add dry gelatin mix and stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.

Step 13
~4 min

Stir in lemon juice and remaining zest.

Step 14
~4 min

Refrigerate for 40 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 15
~4 min

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 16
~4 min

Place 1 cake layer on parchment paper-covered baking sheet.

Step 17
~4 min

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a small bowl with a mixer on high speed until foamy.

Step 18
~4 min

Gradually beat in remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.

Step 19
~4 min

Spread meringue onto top of the cake layer on prepared baking sheet.

Key Technique: Meringue
Step 20
~4 min

Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.

Key Technique: Meringue
Step 21
~4 min

Place remaining cake layer on serving plate.

Step 22
~4 min

Spread with gelatin mixture and then COOL WHIP.

Step 23
~4 min

Top with meringue-topped cake layer.

Key Technique: Meringue
Step 24
~4 min

Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for the best meringue.

Don't overbake the meringue; it should be golden brown.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

Can be made one day ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong (Lemon)
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Fresh berries

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

United States

Cultural Significance

Popular dessert for celebrations

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Birthdays
Holidays
Parties

Occasion Tags

Birthday
Party
Celebration
Holiday

Popularity Score

70/100