Zesty Lemon Dream Poke Cake
Indulge in the refreshing and vibrant flavors of our Zesty Lemon Dream Poke Cake. This delightful dessert combines the rich, moist texture of a classic yellow cake with the tangy sweetness of fresh lemon. As the cake bakes to golden perfection, it soaks up a luscious lemon glaze that seeps into every bite, ensuring an explosion of citrus flavor. Perfect for spring gatherings, celebrations, or simply to treat yourself, this cake is both stunning and easy to make. Share this delightful dessert with family and friends for a perfect sweet ending to any meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) package (None required, simply open the package and use.)
Instant lemon pudding mix
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package (None required, simply open the package and use.)
Water
3/4 cup (Measure out the water.)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (Measure out the vegetable oil.)
Eggs
4 (Crack and beat slightly before adding to the mixing bowl.)
Fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (Juice fresh lemons and measure out to 1/3 cup.)
Confectioners' sugar
2 cups (Measure out the sugar, no preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and the instant lemon pudding mix. Stir them together until well blended.
3
Add the water, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until the batter is smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it gently for an even layer.
5
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
6
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and while it's still warm, poke holes all over the top using a fork. Make sure to poke deep enough so the glaze can soak in.
7
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and confectioners' sugar until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
8
Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes you created.
9
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. For an extra touch, add whipped cream or lemon zest on top for decoration.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zesty Lemon Dream Poke Cake?
It is a moist yellow cake combined with lemon pudding and topped with a fresh lemon glaze that seeps into holes poked into the cake for maximum citrus flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, grease and flour the pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
What type of cake mix is required?
The recipe requires one 18 1/4 ounce package of yellow cake mix.
Should the pudding mix be prepared before adding it to the cake?
No, you should add the dry instant lemon pudding mix directly to the dry cake mix.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe requires 4 eggs.
What kind of oil should be used in the batter?
Use 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
How long should I mix the batter?
Mix on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
When should I poke the holes in the cake?
Poke the holes while the cake is still warm from the oven.
What should I use to poke the holes?
A fork is recommended for poking holes all over the top of the cake.
How deep should the holes be poked?
Poke the holes deep enough to allow the lemon glaze to fully soak into the cake.
What ingredients are in the glaze?
The glaze is made from fresh lemon juice and confectioners' sugar.
How much lemon juice is used for the glaze?
You will need 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed for the glaze?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of confectioners' sugar.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used if necessary.
When do I apply the lemon glaze?
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake immediately after poking the holes.
Do I need to wait for the cake to cool before serving?
Yes, allow the cake to cool completely so the glaze can set before slicing and serving.
What are some recommended garnishes for this cake?
Whipped cream or fresh lemon zest are excellent choices for decoration.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed to be both stunning and easy to make using simple ingredients.
What occasion is this cake best for?
It is perfect for spring gatherings, celebrations, or as a refreshing sweet treat.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: yellow cake mix, lemon pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, lemon juice, and confectioners' sugar.
What happens if I don't poke holes in the cake?
The glaze will sit on top of the cake rather than soaking in, and the cake won't be as moist or flavorful.
Can I use a hand mixer for the batter?
Yes, a hand mixer or stand mixer works well to ensure the batter is smooth.
Is the lemon pudding mix the 'cook and serve' kind?
No, you must use instant lemon pudding mix for this recipe.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container; it can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Can I add lemon zest to the batter?
While not required, adding lemon zest to the batter can enhance the citrus flavor even further.
Why is it called a 'Poke Cake'?
It is called a poke cake because you literally poke holes in the finished cake to allow a liquid (in this case, lemon glaze) to saturate the interior.