Sweet & Tangy Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake Recipe

Sweet summer memories bloom with this delightful strawberry lemonade poke cake that captures sunshine on a plate.

Bursts of tangy citrus and luscious strawberry flavor dance through every single bite.

Layers of soft, moist cake get infused with bright, zesty lemonade that seeps into every delectable crumb.

Creamy frosting blankets the surface, creating a dessert that sings of warm days and joyful gatherings.

Each slice promises a refreshing twist on classic cake traditions.

This easy-to-make treat delivers pure happiness in just a few simple steps.

You’ll fall in love with its vibrant, irresistible charm that turns an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake – Sweet & Refreshing

• Craft Gourmet Fusion: Combine classic brownies with Middle Eastern kunafa for a unique, mouthwatering dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Master Simple Technique: Create an impressive treat with basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home bakers looking to elevate their dessert game.
• Customize with Creativity: Add personal touches by experimenting with different nut toppings or adjusting the chocolate and pistachio layers to suit your preferences.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a show-stopping dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and visual appeal for gatherings or special moments.

Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the primary structure for the cake.
• Pudding Mix: Adds moisture and enhances the cake's soft texture.
• Lemonade: Brings a tangy flavor and helps create a moist cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains tender and soft.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.

• Strawberry Jell-O: Creates a vibrant, fruity layer that soaks into the cake.
• Lemonade: Helps dissolve the Jell-O and adds additional citrus flavor.

• Buttercream Frosting: Provides a creamy, sweet topping for the cake.
• Fresh Strawberries, Lemon Slices: Add a beautiful and fresh finishing touch to the cake.

• Cooking Spray, Parchment Paper: Ensure the cake does not stick to the pan and can be easily removed.

Step-by-Step Guide for Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325F (163C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Give the paper a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

• Cake mix
• Pudding mix

Pour in the lemonade, oil, and eggs.

Whisk everything until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool the Cake

Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes, so be patient!

Step 5: Create the Strawberry Lemonade Filling

In a small saucepan, bring lemonade to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in strawberry Jell-O.

Mix thoroughly until the Jell-O completely dissolves (about 3 minutes). Let it cool to room temperature for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Poke and Fill

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create about 24 holes across the cake surface. Carefully spoon the Jell-O mixture into these holes, ensuring it seeps down into the cake.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Overnight is even better for maximum flavor and texture.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Spread buttercream frosting evenly over the top.

Add a beautiful finishing touch by garnishing with fresh, vibrant strawberries and zesty lemon slices.

Serve and enjoy your tangy, sweet masterpiece!

Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake

• Refrigerate the cake overnight to let the Jell-O mixture fully absorb into the cake, creating a moist and intensely flavored dessert.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create uniform holes, ensuring even distribution of the strawberry lemonade mixture throughout the cake.
• Choose ripe, fresh strawberries and use freshly squeezed lemonade for the most vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure easy cake removal and clean slicing.
• Taste the Jell-O mixture before pouring and add a bit of sugar if you prefer a sweeter cake, balancing the tartness of the lemonade.

Flavor Variations to Try With Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free buttercream, and select plant-based cake mix for a completely vegan dessert.
• Citrus Remix: Swap lemonade with orange juice and use orange Jell-O for a tangy citrus-inspired cake variation.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free Jell-O, and replace buttercream with a lighter whipped cream topping to reduce overall sugar content.

Pairings to Enjoy With Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake

• Refresh with Zesty Beverage Companions: Light, crisp white wine perfectly complements the cake's tangy sweetness.
• Pair Sparkling Drinks: Prosecco or champagne adds elegant effervescence that matches the strawberry lemonade flavor profile.
• Enhance Citrus Experience: Chilled lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea creates a harmonious taste connection with the cake's bright notes.
• Balance Sweet-Tart Flavors: Craft a mocktail using fresh strawberry puree and sparkling water to echo the cake's fruity essence.

Storage Advice for Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake

• Store the strawberry lemonade poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other flavors.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's moisture and texture. Let sit for a minute after heating to distribute warmth evenly.
• Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this cake unique?

The combination of lemonade, strawberry Jell-O, and pudding mix creates a tangy, sweet flavor profile that sets this cake apart from traditional desserts.

• Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?

Poking holes allows the Jell-O mixture to seep into the cake, creating a moist, flavorful texture and adding vibrant strawberry color throughout the cake.

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

While the recipe works best with a vanilla or white cake mix, you could experiment with yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor, but keep the proportions the same.

Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories bloom with this strawberry lemonade poke cake, melding tangy citrus and luscious berries into a refreshing dessert paradise. Cool layers of zesty lemon cake infused with strawberry syrup promise a delightful escape you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 (14-ounce / 397 grams) box lemon cake mix
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 5 eggs

Flavoring and Moisture:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) lemonade

Filling and Topping:

• 1 (3.4-ounce / 96 grams) box vanilla instant pudding

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325F (163C) and line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly coating with cooking spray.
2. Combine cake mix and pudding mix in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth foundation for the cake.
3. Incorporate lemonade, oil, and eggs into the dry mixture, whisking thoroughly until the batter achieves a uniform consistency.
4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, carefully spreading it to ensure an even surface.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick which should come out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 30 minutes.
7. Create the Jell-O glaze by simmering lemonade over medium heat, then removing from heat and stirring in strawberry Jell-O until fully dissolved.
8. Let the Jell-O mixture cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
9. Once cooled, use a wooden spoon handle to carefully puncture approximately 24 evenly distributed holes across the cake’s surface.
10. Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture into the created holes, ensuring thorough absorption.
11. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally overnight, to enhance flavor and texture.
12. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and generously spread buttercream frosting across the top.
13. Artfully garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices just before serving to add visual appeal and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Ensure cake mix and pudding mix are well combined to prevent lumps and create a smoother texture.
• Let the cake cool completely before poking holes to avoid tearing the delicate surface.
• Use a wooden spoon handle or the back of a chopstick for precise, even holes throughout the cake.
• Refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor absorption and a more moist, tender dessert that allows Jell-O to set perfectly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg