Description
Zesty lemon poke cake delivers a citrusy symphony of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Creamy, moist layers infused with bright lemon essence will make you crave another delightful slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 lemon cake mix
- Ingredients required for cake mix preparation
Pudding and Liquid:
- 2 lemon pudding mixes (3.4 ounces each)
- 2.5 cups milk
Topping:
- 1 container Cool Whip (8 ounces)
- Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a lemon cake mix according to package directions in a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution and smooth surface.
- While the cake bakes, whisk lemon pudding mixes with milk until smooth and well-combined, creating a creamy lemon filling.
- Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, use a wooden spoon handle to create uniform holes across the entire cake surface, allowing maximum pudding absorption.
- Carefully pour the prepared lemon pudding over the hot cake, gently spreading it to ensure the mixture seeps into every punctured crevice.
- Let the cake rest at room temperature, allowing the pudding to settle and infuse the cake with intense lemon flavor.
- Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of two hours, enabling the dessert to set and develop a refreshing, chilled consistency.
- Once thoroughly chilled, generously layer Cool Whip across the cake’s surface, creating a light and creamy topping.
- For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the whipped topping, adding a vibrant citrus aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure the cake mix is thoroughly combined to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, even texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a more consistent cake batter.
- Create uniform holes by poking systematically across the cake’s surface, allowing the lemon pudding to penetrate deeply.
- Chill the cake completely to let flavors meld and help the pudding set properly within the cake layers.
- Swap Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher, less processed topping that elevates the dessert’s taste.
- Transform this into a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free cake mix and checking pudding mix ingredients.
- Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and a light whipped topping for a lower-calorie alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg