Description
This Best Lemon Poke Cake Recipe features a moist and zesty lemon cake infused with instant lemon pudding, topped with creamy Cool Whip for a light and refreshing dessert perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat. The cake is easy to prepare with a simple poke and pour method that lets the pudding soak into every bite, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz.) lemon cake mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup water, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (118ml) vegetable oil
- Zest from 1/2 lemon
Pudding and Topping Ingredients
- 2 (3.4 oz. each) instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip topping
- Sliced lemons for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and lemon zest. Mix according to package instructions, typically about 2 minutes of beating, until well blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes in Cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake about 1-inch apart to allow the pudding to soak in.
- Prepare Lemon Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens, approximately 2 minutes.
- Pour Pudding Over Cake: Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, filling the holes and spreading remaining pudding on top.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the pudding set and soak fully into the cake, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Add the Cool Whip Topping: After chilling, spread the Cool Whip topping evenly over the cake.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish the cake with fresh sliced lemons for added decoration and a bright fresh touch.
- Serve: Serve the lemon poke cake chilled and enjoy its refreshing and luscious flavors.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the eggs and water are at room temperature before mixing for a smooth batter.
- Poking holes evenly spaced allows the pudding to soak thoroughly into the cake for maximum flavor.
- You can substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream if preferred, but Cool Whip provides a stable creamy topping.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours or overnight for the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Use fresh lemons for zest and garnish to enhance the lemon flavor naturally.
- This recipe yields a light and moist dessert suitable for warm weather or special occasions.
