Lemon Poke Cake
Lemon Poke Cake is a light and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make cake is tender, moist, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy during summer picnics or potlucks.
Poke cakes come in a variety of flavors, ranging from classic vanilla to chocolate to fruit flavors like strawberry or lemon poke cake. Whatever your preference may be, there’s sure to be a poke cake recipe out there that suits your tastes. Read on to discover how easy this lemon poke cake is to make.
What Is A Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a type of dessert that has been around for decades, but it has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. This delicious and easy-to-make treat is made by baking a cake (usually a white or yellow cake mix) and then poking holes in it with the end of a wooden spoon or fork.
Once the holes are made, you pour liquid over the top of the cake. This seeps into the holes and makes the cake incredibly moist and flavorful. The liquid can be anything from flavored gelatin to sweetened condensed milk to fruit puree to chocolate sauce – there are endless possibilities!
After pouring on the liquid, you refrigerate the cake for several hours (or overnight) so that it can absorb all of the flavors. Once chilled, you can frost or decorate your poke cake any way you like.
The origin of poke cakes is unclear, but many people believe they first became popular in the 1970s when Jell-O started advertising its gelatin as an ingredient for making them. Since then, this dessert has become a classic favorite at potlucks and family gatherings across America.
Not only are poke cakes delicious and easy to make, but they offer endless opportunities for creativity! You can experiment with different types of cakes, liquids, and toppings to create unique flavors that suit your taste buds. Try adding fresh fruit slices or whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
If you’re looking for a fun new dessert idea to impress your friends or family members at your next gathering, give poke cakes a try! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Equipment Used To Make This Recipe
We all have our favorite items that we prefer to use to bake. Here are some that I used to make this recipe. These are common items that are used frequently in my kitchen. I have included the Amazon links to make them easier for you to find.
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Hand Held Mixer
- 1 9×13 Baking Dish I prefer baking cakes with a PYREX baking dish and love that this one comes with a lid for easy storage.
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients for Lemon Poke Cake
- 1 Box Lemon Cake Mix
- 1 Can Lemon Pie Filling If this is not available to you then you can use Jello Lemon Pudding or Lemon Jello instead. All options will work well.
- 1 Container Cool Whip
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest Optional
- 1 Cup Crushed Lemon Flavored Cookies Optional
How To Make Lemon Poke Cake
Make the Lemon Cake in a 9×13 inch baking dish according to the package directions.
Set the cake aside and allow it to cool completely, this can take up to an hour. If it is a fairly warm day it can take longer for the cake to cool.
Once the cake is cooled use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the cake about an inch apart.
Open the can of Lemon pie filling and spoon it over the top of the cake with a spatula making sure that it is pressed down into the holes of the cake.
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the pie filling to set into the holes.
Remove the lemon poke cake from the refrigerator and cover evenly with cool whip.
Add lemon zest or crumbled lemon cookies to the top of the cake prior to serving.
Poke Cake FAQs
What Can I Use To Poke Holes In The Cake?
Poke cakes are a fun and easy dessert that have been popular for decades. The concept is simple – bake a cake, poke holes in it, and pour a filling or topping over the cake to infuse it with flavor. But what can you use to poke holes in a poke cake? Here are some options:
- Wooden Skewers: Wooden skewers are an excellent tool for poking holes in your poke cake. They’re long enough to reach the bottom of the cake without damaging it. And they’re thin enough not to leave large holes.
- Forks: If you don’t have wooden skewers on hand, forks work just as well. Simply prick the surface of the cake with the tines of a fork until there are plenty of small holes all over.
- Cake Tester: A cake tester is another great option for poking holes in your poke cake. These tools are designed to test whether your baked goods are fully cooked. This is done by inserting them into the center of the food item. If they come out clean then the cake is done.
- Chopsticks: If you’re feeling adventurous and have these on hand they are a great option.
- Straws: Drinking straws can be used as an alternative method for making holes in your poke cakes.
When poking holes in your lemon poke cake, be sure not to make them too big or too close together. This will cause the structure of the cake to break down and fall apart when adding toppings such as pudding or whipped cream later on!
What Is The Difference Between A Dump Cake And A Poke Cake?
Dump cake and poke cake are two types of desserts that have been enjoyed by many people for years. While they both involve baking a cake, there are distinct differences between the two.
Dump Cake:
A dump cake is a simple dessert that consists of just a few ingredients. It’s called a dump cake because all you have to do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and bake it in the oven. Typically, this type of cake involves layering canned fruit on the bottom of the pan. That is followed by dry cake mix and butter on top.
Poke Cake:
A poke cake is also made with a boxed or homemade cake mix. But it differs from a dump cake in how it’s prepared. Once baked, holes are poked into the surface of the warm cake using the handle end of a wooden spoon or fork. Then, fruit pure, pudding or Jell-O is poured over the top. This allows the topping to seep into the holes and adds moisture to each slice. This lemon poke cake recipe calls for lemon pie filling. However Jello Pudding or regular Jello can also be used.
The key difference between these two cakes lies in their preparation techniques. A dump cake requires no poking at all while poke cakes require plenty of poking! Additionally, both cakes can be served warm or cold with whipped cream or ice cream toppings. However, poke cakes tend to be more moist due to their added pudding or Jell-O filling, fruit filling, or pie filling.
Overall, whether you prefer an easy “dump-and-bake” style dessert like a dump cake or enjoy getting creative with fillings and flavor combinations like those found in poke cakes – there’s something for everyone when it comes to delicious baked treats!
How To Store Poke Cakes
Storing poke cakes can be a challenge as they have different layers that require special attention. Here’s how you can store your poke cakes to keep them fresh and tasty.
Cool the Cake Completely:
Before storing your poke cake, make sure it has completely cooled down. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container which could cause the cake to become soggy.
Choose an Airtight Container:
To ensure that your poke cake stays fresh for longer, use an airtight container to store it. Make sure that the container is large enough to fit the entire cake without squishing it or damaging its delicate texture.
Refrigerate Your Lemon Poke Cake:
Poke cakes contain fruit, pudding or Jell-O, which requires refrigeration to keep it safe from bacteria growth. Store your poke cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Cover with Plastic Wrap or Foil:
If you don’t have an airtight container available, cover your poke cake tightly. This can be done with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge.
Freeze Your Lemon Poke Cake:
If you’re not planning on eating your poke cake within four days, freeze it instead of refrigerating it.
Lemon Poke Cake
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Hand Held Mixer
- 1 9×13 Baking Dish
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 Box Lemon Cake Mix
- 1 Can Lemon Pie Filling
- 1 Container Cool Whip
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest Optional
- 1 Cup Crushed Lemon Flavored Cookies Optional
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Cake in a 9×13 inch baking dish according to the package directions.Set the cake aside and allow it to cool completely, this can take up to an hour.
- Once the cake is cooled use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the cake about an inch apart.
- Open the can of Lemon pie filling and spoon it over the top of the cake with a spatula making sure that it is pressed down into the holes of the cake.Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the pie filling to set into the holes.
- Remove the lemon poke cake from the refrigerator and cover evenly with cool whip.Add lemon zest or crumbled lemon cookies to the top of the cake prior to serving.
Leave a comment