The Zesty Lemon Poke Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sweet and zesty lemon poke cake brings sunshine to your dessert table with its bright, irresistible flavor.

Creamy pudding seeps into tender cake layers, creating a moist and decadent treat.

Soft crumbs absorb citrusy goodness, promising an explosion of tangy delight.

Unexpected bursts of lemon infuse each bite with refreshing excitement.

Delicate yet bold, this dessert combines simplicity and sophistication in one stunning creation.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing confection and watch faces light up with pure joy.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable slice.

Why Lemon Poke Cake Is A Zesty Slice Of Heaven

• Unbelievably Simple Baking: Create a delightful dessert with minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients that anyone can master.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties where people crave something refreshing and tangy.
• Customize with Ease: Swap lemon for other citrus flavors like orange or lime, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• Stress-Free Dessert Solution: Requires straightforward steps with no complex techniques, allowing even novice bakers to produce a stunning cake that looks professionally made.

What Goes In Lemon Poke Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture and richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provide bright, tangy citrus flavor to the cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet filling that soaks into the cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Whipped Cream, Lemon Slices, Fresh Mint Leaves: Add visual appeal and extra flavor to the final presentation.

How To Make Lemon Poke Cake Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it completely with cooking spray or butter. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F.

Step 2: Create Dry Cake Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Cake Ingredients

• Fresh eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Whole milk
• Pure vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Form Cake Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until a silky, uniform batter develops.

Step 5: Pour and Spread Batter

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake Golden Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Step 7: Cool and Puncture Cake

Remove cake from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon handle to create evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 8: Prepare Tangy Lemon Filling

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Sweetened condensed milk

Blend until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 9: Infuse Cake with Citrus

Slowly pour the lemon mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every created hole.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours, allowing the filling to set completely.

Step 11: Decorate and Serve

Just before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar. Add dollops of whipped cream around the edges.

Step 12: Final Garnish

Decorate with thin lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a stunning presentation.

Step 13: Enjoy Chilled

Slice and serve the cake cold to maximize its incredible flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips For Lemon Poke Cake Success

• Poke Holes Strategically: Create uniform holes using a wooden spoon handle for even lemon mixture distribution throughout the cake.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the lemon mixture to fully absorb and enhance the cake's moisture and taste.
• Zest Boosts Intensity: Use fresh lemon zest to amplify the citrus flavor and add a bright, aromatic dimension to the dessert.
• Serve Chilled and Garnished: Present the cake cold with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream dollops, lemon slices, and mint leaves for a stunning and delicious finish.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or use low-fat milk and reduced-sugar condensed milk for a lighter alternative.

Easy Variations On Lemon Poke Cake

• Lime Coconut Poke Cake: Replace lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest, then sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical flavor profile.
• Berry Bliss Poke Cake: Swap lemon mixture with a combination of mixed berry puree and sweetened condensed milk, then garnish with fresh berries.
• Chocolate Orange Poke Cake: Substitute lemon with orange juice and zest, then drizzle chocolate ganache over the cake for a rich, decadent version.
• Caramel Pecan Poke Cake: Use caramel sauce instead of lemon mixture, then top with chopped pecans and a light caramel drizzle for a nutty, sweet variation.

Tasty Things To Serve With Lemon Poke Cake

• Zesty Beverage Pairing: Brew a refreshing lavender lemonade that complements the cake's tangy citrus notes, creating a harmonious and bright flavor experience.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with light, acidic undertones that match the lemon cake's bright and creamy profile.
• Flavor-Enhancing Garnish Strategy: Add candied lemon peels or mint sprigs alongside the cake to intensify the citrus aromatics and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Textural Dessert Companion: Serve a small scoop of lemon sorbet next to the cake slice, enhancing the overall citrus experience and providing a cool, palate-cleansing element.

Smart Storage For Lemon Poke Cake

• Store the lemon poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and maintaining its moist texture.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no moisture or freezer burn affects its quality.
• Keep the cake covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for no more than 2 days, best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste.
• Cut remaining cake into individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for convenient grab-and-go servings.

Lemon Poke Cake FAQ You’ll Appreciate

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

The holes allow the lemon mixture to penetrate deeply, creating a moist and flavorful cake with every bite.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice will work if fresh lemons are unavailable.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

• What if I don't have a wooden spoon handle for making holes?

You can use the back of a fork, a chopstick, or any similar thin object to create evenly spaced holes in the cake.

Lemon Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lemon poke cake brings sunshine to dessert tables with its zesty, moist layers of pure delight. Sweet tangy notes dance through each bite, promising refreshment and pure happiness for anyone craving a classic lemony treat.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Lemon Filling and Topping:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Garnish:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 4 lemon slices
• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and blend until a uniform cake batter forms.
5. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
8. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface.
9. Whisk lemon juice, lemon zest, and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl until fully integrated.
10. Slowly pour the lemon mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the created holes.
11. Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to allow the filling to set completely.
12. Dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving.
13. Top with dollops of whipped cream around the edges.
14. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant presentation.
15. Slice and serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure holes are evenly spaced and deep enough to allow lemon mixture to penetrate the entire cake for maximum flavor infusion.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant citrus taste that elevates the dessert’s overall complexity.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat milk and replacing some oil with unsweetened applesauce for reduced calories without compromising moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 297
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg