Description

This refreshing and vibrant poke cake is packed with lemony zing and sweet strawberry bliss! Fluffy lemon cake soaked with strawberry Jell-O, layered with cool lemon pudding and whipped topping this dessert is perfect for summer parties, picnics, or backyard BBQs. Light, creamy, and totally irresistible!

Ingredients

For the Cake:
• 1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the Filling:
• 1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water

For the Topping:
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant lemon pudding mix
• 1½ cups cold milk
• 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed

For Garnish:
• 1½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
• Optional: lemon zest, mint leaves, or whipped cream swirls

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Cake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare lemon cake batter as directed on the box, then stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
• Pour into a 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed (about 25–30 minutes).
• Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

2️⃣ Poke & Pour:
• Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake.
• In a bowl, dissolve strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in ½ cup cold water.
• Pour Jell-O mixture slowly and evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

3️⃣ Make the Lemon Layer:
• In a separate bowl, whisk lemon pudding mix with 1½ cups cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
• Gently fold in Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy.
• Spread pudding layer evenly over chilled cake.

4️⃣ Garnish & Chill Again:
• Top with sliced fresh strawberries. Add extra Cool Whip, lemon zest, or mint leaves if desired.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the cake a day in advance for better flavor absorption and easier slicing.
Use Fresh Citrus: Fresh lemon juice and zest offer brighter flavor than bottled substitutes.
Even Poking Matters: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke evenly spaced holes—this ensures uniform Jell-O distribution.
Customize the Fruit Layer: Swap strawberries with raspberries or a berry mix for a flavor twist.
Freeze Without Toppings: If freezing, leave off fresh fruit and garnishes until serving for best texture.
Serve Extra Cold: This dessert tastes best well-chilled—store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (includes Jell-O and topping setting time)
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking + Chilling (Poke Cake)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 265 kcal
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg

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