Pool Party Cake Recipe

Name: Pool Party Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package white cake mix (regular size); 1 package (3 ounces) berry blue gelatin; 3/4 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup cold water; Ice cubes; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 1 piece red shoestring licorice; 14 Swedish Fish candies; 5 Peachie-O's candies; 5 Necco wafer candies, divided; 2 Air Head candies; 8 Runts candies; 2 Now and Later candies; 1 stick spearmint chewing gum; 1 Life Savers Gummy; 98 Smarties candies; 1 Sour Brite Octopus candy

Servings: persons

1 package white cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3 ounces) berry blue gelatin
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
Ice cubes
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 piece red shoestring licorice
14 Swedish Fish candies
5 Peachie-O's candies
5 Necco wafer candies, divided
2 Air Head candies
8 Runts candies
2 Now and Later candies
1 stick spearmint chewing gum
1 Life Savers Gummy
98 Smarties candies
1 Sour Brite Octopus candy

1
Grease two 9-in. round baking pans and line with waxed paper; grease and flour the paper. Prepare cake batter according to package directions. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350u00b0 for 21-26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
2
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Pour cold water into a 2-cup measuring cup; add enough ice cubes to measure 1-1/4 cups. Add to gelatin; stir until slightly thickened. Discard any remaining ice. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until soft-set.
3
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt. Beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth and fluffy. Set aside 2 tablespoons frosting for decorating. Place one cake on a glass or plastic board. Frost top of cake with 2/3 cup frosting.
4
For pool, cut a 5-in. circle (1 in. deep) in the center of second cake (save removed cake for another use). Place over frosted cake. Slowly pour gelatin into circle. Frost top and sides of cake.
5
For ladder, cut licorice into two 4-in. pieces; gently press 1-1/4 in. apart into frosting, looping top ends for handles. Cut three 1-1/4-in. pieces of licorice for ladder steps; press into frosting. Decorate sides of cake with Swedish Fish and Peachie-O's.
6
For pool steps, use a small amount of reserved frosting to attach four wafer candies to board. Trim two Air Head candies and bend into chair shapes; with frosting, attach Runts to chairs for legs. For table, attach remaining wafer candy to a lollipop stick; push into cake. Place chairs on cake and board.
7
For diving board, spread frosting between two Now and Later candies; attach gum to top of candies with frosting. Cut Life Savers Gummy in half; attach to sides of gum. Place on cake.
8
Arrange Smarties on cake for pool tile. Place a line of Smarties on gelatin to form a buoy rope. Place octopus candy in pool. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until gelatin is set.

1538

kcal

Calories

Fat

222

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 package white cake mix (regular size), 1 package (3 ounces) berry blue gelatin, 3/4 cup boiling water, 1/2 cup cold water, and more.

Yes, Pool Party Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pool Party Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions