Okay, friends, let’s talk about sunshine… in cake form! This Lemon Poke Cake is seriously one of the easiest, most satisfying desserts you’ll ever make. It’s like a lemon bar and a fluffy cake had a baby, and that baby is pure joy. I swear, the bright, tangy flavor is just *chef’s kiss*. Forget spending hours on a complicated layer cake; this one is ready to devour in no time. Think of it as the lazy baker’s answer to a lemon meringue pie, but without all the fuss. Seriously, this one is always a hit – it just *disappears* whenever I make it. And trust me, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

What is lemon poke cake?

Lemon Poke Cake is, essentially, a baked cake that gets “poked” with holes after it comes out of the oven. You then pour a delicious lemon mixture into those holes, which soaks right in, making the cake incredibly moist and bursting with lemon flavor. The name pretty much says it all! It’s essentially the opposite of a “Dump Cake” which requires the least amount of effort possible. It is so simple to make. Think of it as a doctored-up boxed cake mix, but don’t let that fool you. The final result tastes anything but basic. It’s essentially like giving your cake a little spa treatment – a lemon-infused soak that takes it to the next level.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are SO many reasons to fall in love with this Lemon Poke Cake, but let me give you the highlights. First, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The bright, zesty lemon is like a burst of sunshine in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it totally addictive. Seriously, I have to stop myself from eating the whole thing!

Second, it’s unbelievably easy to make. Even if you’re a baking newbie, you can nail this. What’s the difference between a boxed cake mix and cake mixing? What is the perfect recipe for when you want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours in the bathroom?

What I love about this Lemon Poke Cake is how versatile it is. You can serve it for dessert, bring it to a potluck, or even enjoy it as breakfast with sour cream. Is it a crowd pleaser? If you want to add fresh berries, just toss them on top before serving. Let’s not forget about the cost. This recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients. You won’t have to break the bank to make it. What is something amazing? What are some of the best recipes you’ve ever made? Is it delicious but very simple to make?

How do I make lemon poke cake?

Quick Overview

Making this Lemon Poke Cake is easier than you think! First, you’ll bake a simple lemon cake (using a box mix to make life easier). While it’s still warm, poke holes all over it. Then, you’ll whip up a creamy lemon mixture and pour it into those holes, letting it soak in. Finally, a luscious glaze on top seals the deal. This is what I love most about it – the simplicity and how easy it is to pull off. The trick is to not over bake the cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake:
* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: I always use Duncan Hines, but any brand will do!
* 1 cup water: Use room temperature for best results.
* 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Canola oil works great too.
* 3 large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature.
* 1 small box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix: This adds extra lemon flavor and moisture.

What is the recipe for lemon soak?
* 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes it super creamy and delicious. * 1/2 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best!

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it for a smoother glaze. * 1/4 cup lemon juice: Add to your recipe. Add more lemon zest for a thinner glaze. What are some of the best ways to add flavor to a dish?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a lifesaver! Make sure you grease all the corners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and lemon pudding mix. Stir to combine. Whisk them together until they’re well combined. How do you distribute the pudding mix evenly in the batter? How do I get rid of lumps?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the water, oil, and eggs. Make sure the eggs are well beaten. What you want is a smooth, even mixture. If the eggs aren’t at room temperature, run them under warm water for a few minutes to warm them up.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. What are some ways to avoid overmixing a cake? I like to scrape down the sides of a bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed. Is it ok to have lumps here and there?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

How do I spread the batter in a pan? Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on your food – you don’t want to overbake it! Ovens vary, so check it at the 30-minute mark.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon soak. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.

Step 7: Bake

Once the cake is baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. How do you poke holes in a cake? Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go almost all the way to the bottom of the cake. What makes a “poke” cake?

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Slowly pour the lemon soak over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake cool completely. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once the cake is cool, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Set aside. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

What is the best way to serve a cooled cake? I like to add fresh berries on top for a pop of color. Can you store leftovers in the refrigerator?

What is the best way to serve it?

What are some ideas for making Lemon Poke Cake?

For Breakfast:Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries. What are some good ways to start the day with a cup of coffee? What is the best lemon flavor for coffee?

For Brunch: Add it to your brunch spread alongside other pastries and fruit. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Serve with mimosas or sparkling lemonade. The bubbles add a festive touch.

As Dessert:Serve it after dinner with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. What is the perfect ending to a meal? What are some of the best lemon flavors?

For Cozy Snacks:What are some of the best ways to enjoy tea on a chilly afternoon? Serve warm or cold – it’s delicious either way.

My family loves this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What is better, the lemon cake and the cold ice cream? Is it good with raspberries and powdered sugar?

How do I make a lemon poke cake?

How do I make a lemon poke cake?

What is the best cake mix?I usually go with yellow cake mix, but I also like white cake mixes. Can you make a lemon cake mix? Just be sure to adjust the lemon juice in the soak and glaze accordingly.

Lemon Juice:Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for the most vibrant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work too. Just make sure it’s good quality.

Don’t overbakIf you overbake a cake, it will dry out. Keep removing the excess cake from the oven. The toothpick should come out clean or with some moist crumbs.

Cooling Time:Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the glaze. If the glaze is not used, it will run off the cake. Trust me, patience is key here!

Glaze ConsistencyHow much lemon juice should be added to a glaze? If you want a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice.

Zest It Up: Don’t skip the lemon zest in the glaze! It adds a wonderful aroma and a pop of flavor. Just be sure to zest the lemon before you juice it.

I’ve learned over time that letting the cake cool completely is the most important step. I once tried to glaze it while it was still warm, and it was a gooey mess! Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add a splash of Vanilla Extract to the soak or a pinch of salt to the glaze to enhance the flavors.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover it tightly or store it in an airtight container. The cold temperature will help keep it fresh.

Freezer Instructions: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend adding the glaze just before serving. If you glaze the cake and then store it, the glaze can sometimes become a bit sticky.

When reheating, I usually just let the cake come to room temperature. But if you want to warm it up, you can microwave it for a few seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it will become dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my all-time favorite Lemon Poke Cake recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s such a simple and satisfying dessert, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. The bright, tangy flavor is like a burst of sunshine in every bite, and the moist, tender cake is simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Lemon Bars or my Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy baking!