Easy Watermelon Cake Recipe | All Things Mamma (2024)

This Watermelon Cake is a fun summer dessert that looks and tastes just like a watermelon! All you need is white cake mix, watermelon Jello, and a handful of other ingredients.

If you were thinking this watermelon cake was made by carving up a big watermelon into the form of a layer cake, think again! While fresh watermelon is delicious, let’s be honest: it’s not exactly cake-level delicious. This recipe for watermelon cake takes the flavors of the fruit and infuses them into a layer cake for a fun summer-inspired dessert recipe no one can resist!

Easy Watermelon Cake Recipe

When it comes to fun summer desserts, you really can’t beat this watermelon cake! The flavor makes you think of warm summer days, and it’s even decorated to look like a watermelon, making it extra fun!

You know I love a good boxed cake mix hack, and like my strawberry cake and coconut cream cake, this watermelon cake recipe starts with a box of cake mix. In this case, white cake mix makes the perfect base. Then, we add watermelon Jello for flavor and color and to help make the cake extra moist.

I use premade vanilla frosting, but cream cheese frosting will work, too. The important factor is to use a frosting that can be tinted and has a mild flavor that won’t compete or clash with the watermelon. For these reasons, I recommend avoiding chocolate!

Ingredients

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• White cake mix – Any brand you like will work!
• Watermelon Jello
• Water
• Eggs – Here’s a list of egg substitutes for baking.
• Canola oil –Vegetable oil is fine, too.
• Vanilla frosting – Use homemade or store-bought.
• Red and green gel food coloring
• Chocolate chips – You’ll use these to make the watermelon “seeds.”

How to Make Watermelon Cake

1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour two 9” round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Make the watermelon cake batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cake mix, Jello, water, eggs, and oil. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, which should take about 2 minutes. (You can use a hand mixer if you don’t have a stand mixer.)
3. Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cakes, and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the frosting: Set aside 2 tablespoons of frosting; this will be used for the white part of the watermelon. Place 1 ¼ cups of frosting in a bowl, and tint it with the red coloring. Start with a small amount, and add more as needed to match the color of the watermelon. Tint the remaining frosting green for the melon rind in a separate bowl.
5. Assemble: Place the first watermelon cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Frost the top with red frosting, leaving a ¼” border along the edge. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost this with the remaining red frosting, leaving ¾” around the edge. Frost the edges of the cake green. Then, pipe the leftover white frosting where the red meets the green. Decorate the top of the cake with the chocolate chips.

How to Store Watermelon Cake

This cake should be stored in the refrigerator if it’s not eaten right away. For the best results, I recommend wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container.

It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. To serve, let it sit out at room temperature to warm slightly before slicing.

You can also freeze this cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Then, place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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