If you’re yearning for a dessert that’s brimming with sunny vibes and luscious flavor, the Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake might just become your new obsession. This vibrant treat captures everything we love about summer—tangy lemons, sweet strawberries, and a touch of nostalgia that only a poke cake can provide. Bursting with bright colors and irresistible juiciness, it’s the kind of cake that will draw happy crowds to your table and have everyone reaching for a second slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I adore how this recipe comes together with simple, familiar ingredients—each one carefully chosen to create that signature burst of sweetness and citrusy zing. Don’t skip a thing: every element adds a special touch to the flavor, texture, or beautiful look of this Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake.
- Lemon cake mix: The backbone of the cake, ensuring a moist crumb and that perfect lemonade tang right from the start.
- Eggs, oil, and water (as listed on the cake mix): These bring the batter together, giving it rise and tenderness.
- Strawberry Jell-O (3 oz): For a vivid splash of color and a punchy strawberry flavor that seeps into every bite.
- Boiling water (1 cup): Essential for dissolving the Jell-O so it can work its magic.
- Cold water (½ cup): Helps the Jell-O set just right while keeping the cake juicy.
- Whipped topping (1 cup): Adds a fluffy, creamy finish—like a kiss of cool summer clouds.
- Sweetened condensed milk (½ cup): Lends an ultra-luxurious sweetness to the frosting layer.
- Lemon juice (½ cup): Loads up the frosting with bold, refreshing citrus zing to highlight the lemonade theme.
- Sliced fresh strawberries (1 cup): Scatter these on top for a juicy, colorful, and slightly tart finish.
- Lemon zest (optional): For a fragrant pop of citrus aroma and a festive look.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Lemon Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure an easy release. Prepare the lemon cake batter following the package instructions, pouring it straight into your prepared pan. Bake until golden and fragrant—you’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the dish for about 10 minutes; this helps the crumb set up just enough for the next steps.
Step 2: Poke and Soak
Once the cake has cooled just a bit, take the handle end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all across the surface, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Don’t be shy—the more holes, the more strawberry goodness gets inside! Now, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in boiling water, stir until smooth, and add the cold water to help it chill slightly. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the entire cake, allowing the Jell-O to seep into every nook and cranny. Let the cake rest on the counter until it cools completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours so all of those vibrant flavors can meld beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
While your cake chills, whisk together the whipped topping, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice in a bowl until everything is smooth, creamy, and full of zesty brightness. This creamy topping is what really ties the Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake together, adding a layer of lusciousness that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Spread your lovely frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Then, scatter a generous handful of juicy sliced strawberries across the top, adding a sprinkle of lemon zest if you like. Those ruby red berries and flecks of yellow make your cake look as inviting as it tastes. Pop the cake back into the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving—this helps set the topping and meld all those flavors into a slice of pure joy.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake
Garnishes
Add a flourish to your Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake by sprinkling more fresh strawberry slices and a shower of lemon zest on top before presenting it. If you have edible flowers or a dollop of extra whipped cream, don’t hesitate to go all out—the more color and freshness, the better!
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a crisp glass of sparkling lemonade or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy summer treat. A platter of fresh berries or a refreshing fruit salad also makes a lovely, light accompaniment to balance out the cake’s rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake in individual mason jars for a playful picnic vibe, or cut it into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a colorful platter for parties. For a special birthday twist, add a few colorful sprinkles or swirl extra Jell-O through the topping before chilling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra slices, simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days—the bright flavors hold up, and the cake stays beautifully moist.
Freezing
The cake base itself freezes quite well! Wrap unfrosted pieces or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before adding the frosting and fresh fruit toppings for best texture and appearance.
Reheating
No reheating needed here—this dessert is best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. If pulling from the freezer, give it plenty of time to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping and serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream will work perfectly in the frosting layer. Just make sure to whip it until medium peaks form so it holds up, and sweeten it lightly to your taste.
How far ahead can I make Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake?
You can prepare the cake up to two days in advance. Just keep it well refrigerated and add the fresh strawberry and lemon zest toppings shortly before serving for the best texture and color.
What if I don’t have lemon cake mix?
Try using a vanilla or white cake mix and simply add a teaspoon of lemon extract or some extra fresh lemon zest to the batter. The flavors will still play together beautifully!
Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?
Yes, sugar-free strawberry gelatin works just fine and will create the same vibrant color and flavor—just perfect for anyone watching their sugar intake.
Is Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake suitable for outdoor parties?
It’s fantastic for picnics and barbecues, but keep it chilled until serving and avoid leaving it in direct sun, especially because of the whipped topping and fresh fruit. Serve over ice or in a cooler for best results at outdoor events.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hoping to impress at your next gathering or just wanting to bring a burst of sunshine to your week, Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake is your ticket to instant smiles and happy memories. I hope you give this joyful dessert a try and find yourself savoring every tangy, sweet, luscious bite—it’s truly a treat worth sharing!
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Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with this delightful Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake. A zesty lemon cake is infused with sweet strawberry Jell-O, topped with a creamy lemon topping, and garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon zest.
Ingredients
Lemon Cake:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – typically eggs, oil, and water)
Strawberry Jell-O Mixture:
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Creamy Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup lemon juice
Toppings:
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (for topping)
- lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare and bake the lemon cake in a 9×13-inch dish. Let it cool and poke holes.
- Prepare Strawberry Jell-O Mixture: Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water, add cold water, and pour over the cake. Refrigerate.
- Make Creamy Topping: Whisk together whipped topping, condensed milk, and lemon juice. Spread over the chilled cake.
- Final Touches: Top with sliced strawberries and lemon zest. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add mashed strawberries to the Jell-O mixture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
