Looking for a refreshing dessert? Look no further than Lemon Poke Cake recipe! Made with a tender and moist lemon cake base, this dessert is filled with tangy lemon pudding and finished off with a creamy whipped topping. With its bright yellow color and delicious taste, this lemon poke cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the bright and zesty superstar of the dessert world - the Lemon Poke Cake! This delicious cake is like a burst of sunshine in your mouth, with its moist and fluffy texture and tangy lemon flavor that will have your taste buds doing the limbo. It's so easy to make, you'll wonder why you haven't been making it all your life! So, grab a fork and get ready to pucker up, because this Lemon Poke Cake is about to take you on a sweet and tangy ride! Let us know how you like it!
Check out some of our other favorite poke cakes: Red Velvet Poke Cake, Butterfinger Poke Cake, Strawberry Jello Poke Cake, or Smores Poke Cake.
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Ingredients for Lemon Poke Cake using Pudding
- lemon cake mix (plus ingredients on back of box)
- instant lemon pudding
- milk
- whipped topping
- lemon zest, lemon slices for topping
FAQs
A poke cake is a deliciously fun dessert where you bake a cake, poke holes in it, and then pour a flavorful filling over the top. The filling seeps into the holes, creating pockets of flavor throughout the cake. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite!
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it’s best to do so without the whipped topping. Freeze the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the whipped topping before serving.
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite lemon cake recipe instead of a box mix.
Besides whipped topping, you can try:
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
A drizzle of lemon glaze
Shredded coconut
Crushed graham crackers or cookies for a crunchy texture
Top Tips
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before spreading on the whipped topping or it will melt.
- When poking the holes in the cake, you can use a fork, end of a wooden spoon for larger holes, or a wooden skewer.
- Store poke cake in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. If there are leftovers, cover the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to make Lemon Poke Cake
- Spray a 9 x 13" baking dish with nonstick spray. Prepare and bake a lemon cake mix, according to box instructions.
- Once cake is baked and slightly cooled, but still warm, use a fork, wooden skewer or the end of a wooden spoon, slowly poke holes all over your cake.
- In a medium bowl, whisk both boxes of pudding with milk. Slowly pour over the cake evenly, hitting all of the holes.
- Cover cake and allow it to cool in refrigerator at least one hour. After an hour, spread whipped topping over the top. Sprinkle with lemon zest or sliced lemons, if desired. Keep refrigerated.
Lemon Poke Cake with Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients on back of box)
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes, instant lemon pudding
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz whipped topping
- lemon zest, lemon slices for topping
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13″ baking dish with nonstick spray. Prepare and bake a lemon cake mix, according to box instructions.
- Once cake is baked and slightly cooled, but still warm, use a fork, wooden skewer or the end of a wooden spoon to slowly poke holes all over your cake.
- In a medium bowl, whisk both boxes of pudding with milk. Slowly pour over the cake evenly, hitting all of the holes.
- Cover cake and allow it to cool in refrigerator at least one hour. After an hour, spread whipped topping over the top.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest or sliced lemons, if desired. Keep refrigerated.
Grace
Can this cake be frozen.?
Thank you
Jill Lockridge
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap the entire cake, while still in the pan, with 2 layers of plastic wrap and a foil layer. Store the cake in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw the cake at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge overnight. We hope you enjoy the cake!