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Easy Creamy Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake Recipe for Summer Bliss

strawberry lemonade poke cake - featured image

A simple, refreshing poke cake combining zesty lemon cake with a creamy strawberry filling, perfect for summer parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box lemon cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432g)
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (79 ml)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 396g)
  • 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 small package strawberry gelatin powder (3 oz / 85g)
  • Lemon zest from 1 medium lemon
  • Optional garnish: extra sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine lemon cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. While the cake bakes, prepare the creamy filling by folding together sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, strawberry gelatin powder, and lemon zest until smooth.
  5. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes after baking. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the warm cake.
  6. Pour the creamy strawberry mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Spread gently with a spatula if needed.
  7. Top the cake with sliced fresh strawberries, arranging evenly.
  8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to let flavors meld and the cake become tender and creamy.
  9. Before serving, optionally garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh strawberry slices. Serve chilled.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist. Poke holes evenly and generously but not too much to avoid cake falling apart. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and rise. Fold whipped topping gently to maintain airy texture. Chill cake well for best flavor and texture. If gelatin mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Avoid freezing to preserve creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry poke cake, lemon poke cake, creamy poke cake, summer dessert, easy poke cake, strawberry lemonade cake