Lemon Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Share on social media

Nothing says summer like a light and refreshing lemon dessert, and this Lemon Jello Poke Cake is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth on a hot day. This easy-to-make cake is a delightful blend of tangy lemon flavor, moist cake, and creamy whipped topping, making it the ultimate dessert for any occasion.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the jello seeps into the cake, infusing it with a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. The vibrant yellow color of the jello layers adds a pop of brightness to the cake, making it visually appealing as well.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a taste of summer, this Lemon Jello Poke Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, if you’re looking for a dessert that is both delicious and easy to make, look no further than this mouthwatering lemony treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a refreshing and delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why Make This Lemon Poke Cake?

 This Lemon Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The light and refreshing flavor of lemon makes it great for spring and summer gatherings. The moist and fluffy cake, soaked in a tangy lemon jello and topped with a creamy frosting, is sure to be a hit with everyone. The simplicity of this recipe also makes it a great choice for busy cooks. With just a few basic ingredients, you can easily whip up this delightful dessert in no time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a potluck dinner, or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this lemon poke cake is a wonderful choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or event. So why make this lemon poke cake? It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile dessert that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who enjoy it.

What You Need to Make Lemon Jello Poke Cake

• Lemon Boxed Cake Mix + the water, oil, and eggs from the package instructions
• Lemon Jello – for the holes in the cake
• Water
• Lemon Instant Pudding – we use this to make the lemon frosting!
• Milk
• Cool Whip
• Fresh lemon slices for garnish

How to Make Lemon Poke Cake

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Grease a 9×13 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix and ingredients according to the box directions.

Step 4: Pour into your 9×13 inch pan and bake according to box directions.

Step 5: After baking, allow the cake to cool, then use a straw, the end of a wooden spoon, or other round utensil to poke holes halfway down into the cake.

Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon jello mix and 1 cup hot water, until dissolved. Whisk in ½ cup cold water.

Step 7: Pour the jello mixture into the holes of your lemon cake.

Step 8: Cover the pan with foil and move to the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours, or over night.

Step 9: To frost, in a large bowl, whisk together pudding and milk. Note that the milk amount used is different from what is suggested on the pudding box.

Step 10: Add cool whip and whisk to combine.

Step 11: Use a spatula to frost the cake evenly.

Step 12: Decorate with lemon wheels, or before serving a piece, top it with a half lemon wheel. When storing leftover cake, remove the fresh lemons.

Lemon Jello Poke Cake FAQs

Can I use a yellow cake mix instead of a lemon cake mix?

Yes, you can use a yellow cake mix instead of the lemon. It gives the cake overall a lighter lemon flavor, and you can even grate in a bit of lemon zest into the yellow cake for a light lemon flavor.

What is the best way to poke holes in a poke cake?

The best way to poke holes in the cake for a Lemon Jello Poke Cake is to use the end of a wooden spoon, a straw, or something else like that. Make sure the holes go all the way through the cake to allow the Jello to seep into it evenly.

Can I make a poke cake in a bundt cake pan?

Yes, you can make a Lemon Jello Poke Cake in a bundt cake pan for a beautiful presentation. Ensure to poke the holes deeply into the cake to allow the Jello to penetrate the entire cake. You’ll also want to use something skinnier to poke the holes, or do less holes, so your bundt cake doesn’t fall apart.

What is the best way to store leftover poke cake?

To store this Lemon Jello Poke Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within a few days to maintain its freshness.

Can I use a different flavor of Jello for a poke cake?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of Jello to create unique poke cake variations. For example, if you want another fruit flavor, you can try using orange, raspberry, or strawberry Jello to create different flavored poke cakes.

Can I make a Lemon Jello Poke Cake in advance?

Yes, you can make a Lemon Jello Poke Cake in advance. It is a great make-ahead dessert option for gatherings or special occasions. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. You can wait to add the frosting and fresh lemons until just before serving, for best results.

How can I make a light version of a Lemon Jello Poke Cake?

To make a lighter version of a Lemon Jello Poke Cake, you can use sugar-free Jello, a light whipped topping, and fat-free or sugar-free pudding mix. This can help decrease the overall calorie and sugar content of the dessert while still maintaining its delicious flavor. You can also opt for a gluten free, or sugar free cake mix.

Also, you can swap the lemon pudding mix frosting for a simple lemon glaze. To top the cake with a lemon glaze, you can use any glaze recipe you love, but normally it would be made with fresh lemon juice, powdered sugar, and sometimes, milk.

We hope you love this easy lemon poke cake recipe. We love poke cakes

More Lemon Desserts to Make

No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Pie

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Lemon Blueberry Popsicles

Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits

Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Cookies

Cake Mix Lemon Bars