Lemon Poke Cake
If your sweet tooth is seeking something bright and refreshing, this Lemon Poke Cake from Twin Cities food blogger greens & chocolate is the solution. And it only takes a few ingredients and 45 minutes to make!
I’m usually a chocolate dessert girl, but if I’m not having chocolate, then it’s lemon. There’s just something so bright and cheery about lemon-flavored desserts. They’re simply the perfect way to brighten up a winter’s day or to welcome in the spring.
This Lemon Poke Cake is inspired by old-fashioned cake recipes that pour a warm Jell-O mixture over a warm cake. Poke cakes lend themselves to a variety of flavors. It all depends on the type of cake mix and Jell-O flavor you use. My favorite? Lemon, of course!
This recipe uses lemon cake mix AND lemon Jell-O, which not only amplifies the citrus flavor but also lends a moistness to the cake that is truly irresistible.
This lemon cake requires minimal ingredients and is a dessert everyone will love, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, birthdays or any gathering!
12 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix (plus the ingredients to make the cake mix, listed on the box)
1 3-ounce package Jell-O lemon gelatin dessert mix
1 cup hot water*
¾ cup cold water
8 ounces Cool Whip
Lemon slices or lemon zest, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box, and bake in a 9×13” baking dish.
- Let the cake cool for 5 minutes and then, using the end of a spatula or butter knife, poke holes in the cake, about ½” apart.
- Combine the package of lemon Jell-O with the hot water and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Add the cold water and stir until combined, about 1 minute.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture over the warm cake. Let cool completely, about 4 hours.
- Once cooled, spread the Cool Whip over the cake.
- Garnish with lemon slices or zest, as desired. Slice and enjoy!
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
*Note: for the hot water, I place it in a glass measuring cup and microwave for 90 seconds. Heat in 30-second increments until you see the water start to boil. Then combine with the Jell-O package immediately.
