If you’re craving a vibrant and sweet centerpiece that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, this Watermelon Cake Recipe is just the thing to brighten your day. Bursting with juicy watermelon flavor and loaded with colorful, playful layers, this cake brings together the essence of summer in every bite. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any time you want a slice of happiness on your plate. With its moist crumb and luscious frosting, this watermelon-inspired delight is sure to become your new favorite dessert to share with friends and loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. Each component plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable watermelon hue that makes this cake so special. From the rich butter and buttermilk to the vibrant red and neon pink gel food colorings, every item is essential to nail this Watermelon Cake Recipe.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture while helping the cake rise evenly.
- Canola oil: Keeps the cake tender and enhances its soft crumb.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully and aids in achieving a moist texture.
- Watermelon Jello (two 4.5-ounce packs): Adds authentic watermelon flavor and a touch of color.
- Large eggs (6): Bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
- Flour: Forms the base of the cake, ensuring it’s sturdy but tender.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to perfect fluffy heights.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Buttermilk: Brings acidity that tenderizes the crumb and adds subtle tang.
- Red and neon pink gel food coloring: Creates that vibrant watermelon shade that catches the eye.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add delightful pockets of rich melty chocolate inside.
- Powdered sugar: The essential ingredient for a creamy, fluffy frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up smooth and light frosting perfect for layering.
- Green gel food coloring: Gives the frosting a fresh watermelon rind-inspired tone.
- Mini chocolate chips: Perfect for decorating and mimicking watermelon seeds on top.
How to Make Watermelon Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by creaming together the unsalted butter, canola oil, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the pure vanilla extract for a lovely aroma. Dissolve the watermelon Jello in the batter to infuse the cake with authentic watermelon flavor and that irresistibly sweet scent. The last step in this phase is to combine the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, and kosher salt — separately, then gently fold them into the wet mixture along with the buttermilk. Don’t forget to add the red and neon pink gel food colorings here to get that iconic watermelon pink hue. Lastly, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips that will become surprise bites of decadence in your finished cake.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly into greased cake pans and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake at the right temperature until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the cake has developed a perfect golden-pink crust. It usually takes about 30 to 35 minutes, depending on your oven. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely in the pans, then turn them out to finish cooling on wire racks to keep them tender and crumbly in the best way possible.
Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting
While the cakes cool, make the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract, continuing to whip until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Tint the frosting a gentle green with the green gel food coloring to mimic the fresh watermelon rind, striking the perfect balance between taste and eye-catching presentation.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Repeat with the next layers until the cake is stacked beautifully. Cover the entire exterior in the green frosting, smoothing it as best as you can for a seamless finish. Finally, press mini chocolate chips all over the outside to resemble watermelon seeds — this charming detail brings your Watermelon Cake Recipe to life in the most playful way.
How to Serve Watermelon Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your watermelon cake even more irresistible, consider adding fresh watermelon slices or berries on the side. A sprinkle of edible glitter or a few fresh mint leaves on top can also add a burst of freshness and sparkle that impresses any guest.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a tangy citrus salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These help balance the sweetness and keep your palette refreshed after each indulgent slice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve individual mini watermelon cakes using cupcake or small mold pans, decorated with frosting swirls and mini chocolate chip ‘seeds.’ Alternatively, a watermelon-shaped cake stand or themed plates can turn the serving experience into a full celebration of summer fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, your watermelon cake is best kept in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, allowing you to savor each slice without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your masterpiece for later, slice the cake into single portions and freeze them individually wrapped in plastic and foil. This method preserves freshness for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving; warming more than this can disrupt the frosting texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh watermelon instead of Jello?
While fresh watermelon adds natural flavor, the Jello is crucial for that distinct watermelon taste and helps with the cake’s moist texture. If using fresh watermelon, expect a less intense flavor and a slightly different cake consistency.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that texture may vary slightly. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help maintain the cake’s structure.
Can I substitute other food colorings for the gel colors?
Gel food coloring gives vibrant hues without adding extra liquid. Regular liquid food coloring can be used but may affect the batter’s consistency and brightness. Gel is highly recommended for best results.
How long does this cake keep well unrefrigerated?
Because the cake contains dairy-based frosting, it’s safest to keep it refrigerated and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on eggs, butter, and buttermilk, so vegan or dairy-free versions require substitutions like plant-based butter, aquafaba or flax eggs, and non-dairy milk. The texture and flavor will differ, but with some experimentation, you can create a delicious alternative.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with something truly fun and delicious, this Watermelon Cake Recipe is your go-to. It captures the spirit of summer in a slice, combining playful visuals with surprisingly rich flavors and a tender crumb. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your favorite sweet tradition for sunny days and celebrations alike!
Print
Watermelon Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and colorful watermelon-inspired cake that combines moist layers tinted with vibrant gel food coloring and a rich chocolate chip buttercream frosting. Perfect for summer gatherings or celebrations, this cake features a unique watermelon flavor with a playful visual twist.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup canola oil
- 4 cups sugar
- 9 ounces watermelon Jello (2 packets, 4.5 oz each)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 6–8 drops red gel food coloring
- 6–8 drops neon pink gel food coloring
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Buttercream Frosting
- 3 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 5–7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 drops green gel food coloring
- 2 cups mini chocolate chips
- 6–8 drops red gel food coloring
- 6–8 drops neon pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, canola oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the watermelon Jello powder, eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Color: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Add in the red and neon pink gel food coloring drops to achieve a vibrant watermelon pink hue. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly through the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Grease and flour your baking pans. Divide the batter evenly among pans and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy whipping cream, until the desired consistency is reached. Blend in vanilla extract and tint portions of the frosting with red and neon pink gel food coloring to match the cake layers, and use green gel food coloring to create the watermelon rind effect. Stir mini chocolate chips into the green-colored frosting to mimic watermelon seeds.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, spread and alternate layers of pink watermelon-colored frosting between cake layers. Cover the entire cake with the green-colored buttercream frosting on the outside for a rind appearance, decorating with the mini chocolate chips as watermelon seeds. Chill the cake briefly to set the frosting before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
- Gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant colors without altering batter consistency.
- Adjust the number of food coloring drops to achieve desired shades of pink and green.
- This cake is best stored in the refrigerator covered to maintain freshness.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
