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Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake is a refreshing and vibrant dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Featuring a moist lemon cake base with pockets filled with sweet strawberry gelatin, it’s topped with a creamy lemon curd whipped topping and fresh strawberries for a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors. The cake is chilled to set the gelatin fully, resulting in a cool, luscious treat that’s both eye-catching and delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box lemon cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box)

Gelatin Filling

  • 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water

Topping

  • 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • 1/2 cup lemon curd
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
  • Lemon zest for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the lemon cake batter according to the package instructions, then pour it into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool 15–20 minutes.
  2. Poke Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, carefully poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake. These holes will allow the strawberry gelatin to seep into the cake, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
  3. Prepare Gelatin: In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir to combine. Pour this gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the poked holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin is fully set and the cake is chilled.
  4. Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the whipped topping and lemon curd. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
  5. Assemble and Garnish: Once the cake is chilled and set, spread the lemon curd-whipped topping evenly over the surface. Scatter diced fresh strawberries on top, and optionally sprinkle lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
  6. Serve: Serve the cake chilled for a refreshing, multi-textured dessert perfect for warm weather or any festive occasion.

Notes

  • For enhanced lemon flavor, brush the cooled cake with fresh lemon juice before pouring on the gelatin.
  • This cake is ideal for summer get-togethers and can be made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste and texture.
  • Ensure the cake is fully chilled before spreading the topping to avoid melting.