Best Lemon Poke Cake Recipe (With Jello Pudding)

A perfect combination of moist cake, tangy lemon, and creamy pudding, this Best Lemon Poke Cake is a refreshing dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. The cake is light, fluffy, and soaked with lemon flavor, while the pudding filling adds a rich, creamy texture that takes every bite to the next level. The use of lemon cake mix and instant lemon pudding mix makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick to prepare, but the result is always impressive. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing for a holiday meal, or craving something citrusy, this poke cake is a must-try.

The simple yet irresistible combination of lemon cake, pudding, and whipped topping ensures that this cake will quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for any celebration, and its vibrant lemon flavor offers a sweet and tangy treat that is both comforting and refreshing. Best of all, it requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it an easy dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Poke Cake is the ultimate lemon dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with tartness. The cake is incredibly moist thanks to the pudding filling that soaks in and creates a burst of lemon flavor in every bite. The fluffy whipped topping adds a creamy finish, making it a dessert that’s not only delicious but also light and refreshing. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, you can create a show-stopping cake that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this poke cake is sure to impress and satisfy any lemon lover.

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Ingredients

• Lemon cake mix
• Large eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Lemon zest
• Instant lemon pudding mix
• Cold milk
• Cool whip topping
• Optional: Sliced lemons for garnish

Variations

While this Lemon Poke Cake is already a delightful treat, there are a few ways you can customize it:

• Add Fresh Berries: Add a burst of color and flavor by topping the cake with fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. These will complement the tartness of the lemon and add a fresh element to the cake.
• Lemon Curd Layer: For an extra tangy twist, add a layer of lemon curd between the cake and the pudding filling for an intense lemon flavor.
• Other Flavored Pudding: While lemon pudding is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or strawberry for a unique variation.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this cake gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and adjust the rest of the ingredients as necessary.
• Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle shredded coconut over the top or mix it into the pudding for added texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the cooled cake, making sure not to break the cake apart. Be generous with the poking, as the pudding will seep into the holes and make the cake extra moist.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together the two packages of instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk. Continue to whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Once it’s set, gently spread the pudding over the entire cake, making sure to fill the holes that were poked.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Top the cake with the Cool Whip topping, spreading it evenly over the pudding layer. You can smooth it out or create decorative swirls for a beautiful presentation.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding to fully set. Just before serving, garnish with sliced lemons for a pop of color and a fresh citrus touch.

Step 7: Serve

Serve chilled and enjoy this incredibly refreshing and moist Lemon Poke Cake!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: When making the cake batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense rather than light and fluffy.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and water are at room temperature to help the batter mix more evenly.
• Poking the Cake: Be careful not to poke the holes too deep. You want the pudding to seep into the holes but not create holes that will cause the cake to fall apart.
• Chill the Cake Well: For the best results, make sure to chill the cake for at least 2 hours to allow all the flavors to settle and for the pudding to firm up.
• Use a Spatula for Even Topping: When spreading the Cool Whip topping, use an offset spatula to ensure a smooth, even layer that looks polished.

How to Serve

This Lemon Poke Cake is ideal for serving at family gatherings, BBQs, and parties. It can also be enjoyed as a simple yet delightful dessert for a weeknight treat. Serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert that’s sure to please a crowd. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or a glass of lemonade, enhancing its lemony flavor.

For extra elegance, you can serve it with additional garnishes such as mint leaves or extra lemon zest to elevate the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lemon Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake may soften slightly over time, but it will remain delicious and refreshing.

Freezing

This cake does not freeze well due to the pudding filling and whipped topping. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat it, as the texture and flavor are best enjoyed chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. It actually benefits from chilling in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to blend together.

2. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon zest?

Lemon zest adds a burst of flavor to the cake. If you don’t have zest, you can omit it, but the cake may be slightly less lemony.

3. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix for a different taste, but the lemon flavor pairs best with the lemon pudding and topping.

4. How can I make this cake more tangy?

For a tangier flavor, you can add more lemon zest to the cake batter or mix in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the pudding filling.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free lemon cake mix to make the cake gluten-free.

6. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. After that, the cake may begin to lose its freshness.

7. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?

While homemade pudding can be used, instant pudding works best for the texture and convenience in this recipe.

8. Can I make this cake without the whipped topping?

Yes, you can leave out the Cool Whip if you prefer, or substitute it with freshly whipped cream for a more decadent topping.

9. Can I garnish with something else besides lemons?

Yes, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves, additional zest, or even berries for a colorful, vibrant topping.

10. Can I freeze this cake?

It’s not recommended to freeze the cake because of the pudding and whipped topping. These ingredients don’t freeze well and may alter the texture.

Conclusion

This Best Lemon Poke Cake with Jello Pudding is a perfect dessert for any lemon lover. It’s easy to make, bursting with citrus flavor, and delightfully creamy. The combination of a moist lemon cake, a tangy lemon pudding filling, and a light, fluffy topping creates a dessert that’s refreshing, indulgent, and sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re preparing it for a special event or simply satisfying a lemon craving, this poke cake will not disappoint. Enjoy every bite of its refreshing, zesty goodness!

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