Watermelon Cake

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Oct. 05, 2023
No one will ever guess how simple this make-ahead watermelon cake is to assemble. After one bite of the showstopping cake, kids of all ages will be lining up for a second slice of the sweet sensation.

Ingredients

  • 1 package white cake mix (regular size)
  • 1 package (3 ounces) watermelon gelatin
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 2-1/2 cups prepared vanilla or cream cheese frosting, divided
  • Red and green gel food coloring
  • Chocolate chips

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, gelatin, water, eggs and oil; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
  2. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. Set aside 2 tablespoons frosting for decorating. Place 1-1/4 cups frosting in a bowl; tint red. Tint remaining frosting green.
  4. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup red frosting to within 1/4 in. of edges. Top with second cake. Frost top with remaining red frosting to within 3/4 in. of edges. Frost sides and top edge of cake with green frosting.
  5. Using a pastry bag, pipe reserved white frosting around top edge of cake where green and pink frostings meet. For seeds, insert chocolate chips upside down into cake top.
Watermelon Cake Tips

Can you use other types of gelatin to make watermelon cake?

You can certainly use other flavored gelatins if you wish. Just be aware that whatever flavor you choose will become the main flavor of the cake. Strawberry is a great option that has the most similar flavor profile and color to watermelon.

How can you make watermelon cake your own?

This whimsical watermelon cake provides a great canvas to play around and get creative with decorating. Rather than sprinkle chocolate chips on the top, they can be incorporated into the cake to imitate a real watermelon with seeds inside! You can also decide how vibrant you want your frosting to be with your food coloring; it can range from a delicate pale pink and green to bright red and emerald green.

How should you store watermelon cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If stored properly, the cake will last 4 to 5 days. If you liked this watermelon cake recipe, you might like these watermelon slice cookies, too. Then, check out other refreshing watermelon recipes for your next meal!

—Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant