Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly easy to make and bursting with refreshing flavor? Then look no further! This Lemon Poke Cake recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of moist, spongy cake, tangy lemon pudding, and a luscious whipped cream topping. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, even though it's undeniably decadent. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
For the Lemon Pudding:
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra zing!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Poking the Holes
While the cake is still warm, use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Don't be shy; create plenty of holes for the pudding to soak into! This is a crucial step for achieving that moist and flavorful texture.
Step 3: Adding the Lemon Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy. Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the pudding to set.
Step 4: Topping with Whipped Cream
Once the pudding has set, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. If you like, add a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow the whipped cream to chill and firm up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice and serve your delicious Lemon Poke Cake. It's best enjoyed chilled, but it's still amazing at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don't overmix the cake batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Make sure the pudding is fully incorporated before pouring it over the cake.
- If you don't have a 9x13 inch pan, you can use a different size, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of water in the cake batter.
Variations:
- Strawberry Poke Cake: Replace the lemon pudding mix with strawberry pudding mix for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Poke Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding for a decadent chocolate experience.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of whipped cream, top with a homemade cream cheese frosting for a tangy and creamy alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This Lemon Poke Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its easy-to-follow recipe makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks. The refreshing lemon flavor and the delightful texture make it a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!