Description
This Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake is a bright and refreshing dessert with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors! Made with a lemon cake, strawberry gelatin, and a creamy whipped topping, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or anytime you need a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1 box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- For the Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip (or 2 cups homemade whipped cream)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (if making homemade whipped cream)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
- Lemon slices and whole strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the cake: Prepare and bake the lemon cake according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare the gelatin: In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, then stir in ½ cup cold water.
- Pour over the cake: Slowly pour the liquid gelatin over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors absorb.
- Make the topping: If using homemade whipped cream, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the cake: Spread Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) evenly over the chilled cake.
- Add strawberries & garnish: Sprinkle chopped strawberries and lemon zest over the top. Add lemon slices and whole strawberries for decoration.
- Serve & enjoy! Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, drizzle lemon syrup over the cake before adding the gelatin.
- Want a stronger strawberry taste? Use strawberry cake mix instead of lemon.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best served cold!
- Make it fancy: Drizzle with white chocolate or add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg