There’s just something about the combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lemonade that screams summer. Now, imagine those flavors soaked into a soft, fluffy cake—pure magic! This Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake is the ultimate refreshing dessert, perfect for backyard BBQs, birthday parties, or whenever you need a little sunshine on your plate.
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The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. A simple cake base gets infused with a luscious strawberry-lemon filling, then topped with a dreamy whipped topping. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake
Bright and Refreshing: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Easy to Make: A simple cake mix and a few ingredients come together effortlessly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic, a birthday, or just a sweet craving, this cake is a showstopper.
Super Moist: The poke method lets the flavors soak deep into the cake, making every bite irresistibly moist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better the next day, so you can prep it in advance!
Ingredients in Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake
Lemon Cake Mix: The perfect citrusy base for this poke cake. You can use a homemade lemon cake if you prefer.
Strawberry Jello: Adds a burst of strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
Boiling Water: Helps dissolve the Jello so it soaks evenly into the cake.
Lemon Juice: Brings a fresh, zesty kick to enhance the lemonade flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Makes the cake ultra-moist and rich.
Cool Whip: Light and fluffy topping that complements the tangy flavors perfectly.
Fresh Strawberries: A gorgeous garnish that adds extra freshness and texture.
Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of zest on top ties everything together beautifully.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the lemon cake according to the package instructions. Let it cool slightly.
Poke the Holes: Using the back of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the cake to allow the filling to soak in.
Prepare the Jello Mixture: Dissolve strawberry Jello in boiling water, then stir in lemon juice. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Pour Over the Cake: Slowly pour the Jello mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set.
Add the Topping: Spread a thick layer of Cool Whip over the chilled cake.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake
Chilled: This cake is best served cold for the ultimate refreshing bite.
With Extra Berries: Add fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for extra color and flavor.
Drizzled with Strawberry Syrup: For a fancy touch, drizzle a little strawberry syrup on top before serving.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day! Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without the whipped topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and add Cool Whip before serving.
Lemon Lovers: Add a bit of lemon extract to the cake batter for extra citrusy goodness.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! A homemade lemon cake works just as well.
Q2: Can I use fresh strawberry puree instead of Jello?
A2: Yes! Blend fresh strawberries with sugar and a little lemon juice, then pour over the cake.
Q3: What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
A3: Use the handle of a wooden spoon for larger holes or a fork for smaller ones.
Q4: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A4: Yes! Just whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
Q5: How long does the cake need to chill?
A5: At least 1 hour, but overnight is even better.
Q6: Can I make this in a different flavor?
A6: Of course! Try orange cake with raspberry Jello for a new twist.
Q7: Can I add pudding to the whipped topping?
A7: Yes! Mix a little instant lemon pudding into the Cool Whip for extra flavor.
Q8: What’s the best way to transport this cake?
A8: Keep it in a baking dish with a lid and store it in a cooler if traveling.
Q9: Can I use sugar-free Jello and Cool Whip?
A9: Yes, for a lighter version, use sugar-free Jello and light Cool Whip.
Q10: Can I make this as cupcakes?
A10: Definitely! Just bake cupcakes, poke holes, and pour the Jello mixture in.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake is the ultimate refreshing dessert—light, fruity, and full of summer vibes. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Print
Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This bright and refreshing poke cake combines zesty lemon cake, sweet strawberry Jell-O filling, and creamy buttercream frosting for the perfect summer dessert. Easy to make and full of fruity flavor!
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 (15 1/4-ounce) box lemon cake mix
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding
- 3/4 cup lemonade
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 5 eggs
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups lemonade
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box strawberry Jell-O
For the Topping:
- 2 (12-ounce) tubs buttercream frosting
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced or halved
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven & Prep Pan:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray.
-
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix and pudding mix.
- Add lemonade, oil, and eggs, whisking until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes).
-
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a small saucepan, bring lemonade to a low simmer over medium heat.
- Remove from heat, stir in strawberry Jell-O, and mix until fully dissolved (about 3 minutes).
- Set aside to cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes).
-
Poke & Fill the Cake:
- Once the cake is cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke about 24 holes evenly across the cake.
- Spoon the Jell-O mixture into the holes.
-
Chill the Cake:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight for the best texture).
-
Frost & Garnish:
- Remove the cake from the refrigerator.
- Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Chilling Tip: Overnight chilling allows the flavors to meld better.
- Frosting Option: Swap buttercream for whipped cream for a lighter version.
- Make it Extra Citrusy: Add lemon zest to the frosting for a tangy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg