Lemon Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poke Cake

One bite of Lemon Poke Cake, and you’ll understand why this dessert is a crowd favorite! The delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates a taste sensation that dances on your palate. Plus, the moist texture melts in your mouth, proving that it’s not just any cake—but a dessert that truly stands out. It’s perfectly refreshing, especially during those warm summer days when you need something light to satisfy your sweet cravings. Another bonus? This cake is incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, you can whip this up and impress everyone around the table.

Now, let’s get into what makes a Lemon Poke Cake special.

What is a Lemon Poke Cake

Poke cakes are a fun and innovative take on traditional cake. The concept is straightforward—after baking the cake, you poke holes into it and pour delicious filling over the top. This means every bite is full of flavor!

The unique characteristics of Lemon Poke Cake lie in its bright and zesty lemon flavor. It not only stands out visually with its sunshine-yellow hue but also provides that irresistible tartness balanced with a touch of sweetness. Poke cakes gained popularity in American baking during the 1970s, thanks to their simplicity and versatility. Home bakers loved how they could easily transform a basic cake mix into something special simply by adding pudding or other tasty elements.

Whether you’re reminiscing about family gatherings or trying it for the first time, this cake brings a sense of comfort and joy to any occasion.

Ingredients for Lemon Poke Cake

Before you start making this delicious dessert, gather your ingredients. You’ll need:

• 1 (15.25 oz) box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare as directed)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box lemon instant pudding mix
• 3 cups milk, divided
• 1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

Having everything ready beforehand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Once you have your ingredients, you’re set to create something truly wonderful!

Preparing Your Lemon Poke Cake

Bake the Lemon Cake

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, prepare a 9×13 inch cake pan by greasing it lightly. Follow the package instructions to bake your lemon cake. Mixing the ingredients from the box is a breeze, just combine them in a bowl until smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake it until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Typically, this takes around 25-30 minutes.

Once you’ve checked that it’s baked to perfection, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This step is important because hot cake won’t hold the pudding as well.

Poke The Cake

Once your cake is cool, it’s time for the fun part—poking holes! You’ll want to use a wooden spoon handle or a chopstick for this. Gently poke holes every couple of inches all over the cake. Don’t worry about being perfect; the more holes, the better the pudding will soak in!

Prepare the Lemon Pudding

Next up is preparing the lemon pudding. In a mixing bowl, take 2 cups of milk and whisk it together with the lemon pudding mix. Keep whisking until it reaches a slightly thickened, pourable consistency. This shouldn’t take long and is a crucial step for layering that yummy flavor.

Add the Lemon Pudding to the Cake

Now, take your thickened lemon pudding and spoon it into the holes you made in the cake. Allowing the pudding to seep down into the cake is what gives it the memorable flavor and moisture. After you’ve filled the holes, you can spread any remaining pudding over the top of the cake. This creates a lovely layer that makes each bite extra scrumptious.

Allow the Pudding to Set

Let the pudding rest on top of the cake for about 10 minutes. This helps it settle in nicely, ensuring that when you cut into it later, each slice is as delicious as the last.

Prepare the Vanilla Topping

While the pudding is setting, it’s time to work on the topping. In another bowl, mix the remaining cup of milk with the vanilla pudding mix, stirring until it’s thick. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is combined but still fluffy. This airy topping is what really elevates the cake.

Frost the Cake

Now, it’s time to frost the cake! Using the spoon, drop dollops of your vanilla topping all over the cake. Once you’ve got it spread evenly, take a spatula and carefully smooth it out. This creates a beautiful finish and adds that creamy element on top.

Final Setting Time

Let your finished cake sit for around 30 minutes before serving. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld together and enhances its overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to enjoy your Lemon Poke Cake, serving it chilled or at room temperature works best. It’s a fantastic choice for warm summer barbecues and family gatherings, effortlessly bringing a smile to everyone’s faces. You can pair it with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries, or perhaps even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions can take this cake to the next level of deliciousness!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Lemon Poke Cake turns out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

• Make sure the cake is completely cool before you poke holes. This step prevents the pudding from running off.
• Avoid overbeating the whipped topping; gentle folding keeps it nice and fluffy.
• Let the cake sit for a bit after frosting to enhance the flavors and improve texture.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some tasty variations to try:

• Substitute lime or orange pudding for a fun citrus twist that still celebrates that bright flavor.
• Adding a layer of crushed graham crackers introduces an exciting texture contrast.
• For an extra citrus burst, incorporate fresh lemon zest into the frosting.

Storage Tips

Once your delicious Lemon Poke Cake is made, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days, as it may lose some of its freshness beyond that.

Pairing Ideas

Pair this delightful dessert with something refreshing, like iced tea or lemonade, for a lovely summer combo that complements the flavors in the cake. You can also serve it alongside a light fruit salad for a balanced meal option.

FAQs

What can I do if I don’t have lemon pudding mix?
You can easily substitute with another fruit-flavored pudding or create a homemade alternative.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance; just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How long does this cake last in the fridge?
If stored properly, it can last about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of pudding mix?
While fresh lemon juice adds a lovely flavor, it won’t create the same texture. It’s best to stick with the pudding mix for this recipe.

Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

This Lemon Poke Cake is sure to become a beloved dessert for any gathering. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, you’ll want to make it time and again. Enjoy every bite and share your love for this fantastic lemon treat!

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
• Lemon Custard
• Soft Pretzel Bites
• Classic French Madeleines

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Poke Cake

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This Lemon Poke Cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Its moist texture and vibrant lemon flavor make it perfect for any gathering.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15.25 oz) box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare as directed)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box lemon instant pudding mix
• 3 cups milk, divided
• 1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla instant pudding mix
• 3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.
• Prepare and bake the lemon cake mix as per package instructions.
• Once cooled, poke holes in the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
• Whisk together 2 cups of milk with lemon pudding mix until thick.
• Spoon pudding mixture into the holes in the cake and spread excess on top.
• Allow pudding to rest for about 10 minutes.
• Mix remaining cup of milk with vanilla pudding mix and fold in whipped topping.
• Frost the cake with the vanilla topping mixture.
• Let the cake sit for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cool before poking holes to prevent pudding from running off.
Avoid overbeating whipped topping; gentle folding keeps it light and airy.
Let the cake sit after frosting to enhance flavors.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 24
• Sodium: 230
• Fat: 9
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 4
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 37
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 3
• Cholesterol: 25