Lemon Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic yellow cake, infused with tangy lemon pudding and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. Its moist, flavorful texture makes it a perfect dessert for gatherings or a simple treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant lemon pudding mix. Add water, vegetable oil, and eggs, then mix until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Step 3: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out smoothly.
- Step 4: Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven while still hot. Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake to allow the glaze to seep in.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar until smooth to create the lemon glaze.
- Step 7: Pour the glaze evenly over the hot cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter or glaze.
- Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
- Top the cooled cake with fresh berries or whipped cream for added freshness.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to enjoy its soft texture. This cake can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of cake mix?
Yes, you can use homemade yellow cake batter, but keep in mind that the instant pudding mix helps keep the cake moist and adds lemon flavor, so you might want to add lemon pudding or lemon extract to maintain the signature taste.
Do I have to poke holes in the cake?
Yes, poking holes allows the lemon glaze to soak into the cake, making it moist and flavorful. Skipping this step will result in less glaze absorption.
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Lemon Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Lemon Poke Cake is a delightful twist on a classic yellow cake, infused with tangy instant lemon pudding and topped with a luscious lemon glaze. The cake is baked to golden perfection, then poked with holes to allow the sweet lemon glaze to permeate every bite, creating a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 (15.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
For the Lemon Glaze
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and instant lemon pudding mix. Add water, vegetable oil, and eggs, and mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Cake for Glazing: While the cake is still hot, use a fork to poke holes all over the top surface. This step allows the glaze to seep deep into the cake, enhancing its flavor and moisture.
- Make the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the hot cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving. This lets the glaze set and the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is still warm when poking holes and pouring the glaze to allow better absorption.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor in the glaze.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the glaze or batter.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 4-5 days.
- You can dust additional confectioners’ sugar on top before serving for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon poke cake, lemon cake, poke cake, yellow cake, lemon pudding cake, easy lemon dessert
