Freshly-Baked Strawberry Lemonade Delight Poke Cake

Nothing beats a classic summertime treat like strawberry lemonade poke cake. I remember when I first tried this recipe as a teenager – it was a real treat! Not only did this recipe satisfy my sweet tooth, but it was also incredibly easy to make.

I knew right away that this would become one of my go-to recipes whenever I was looking for a refreshing and delicious dessert. The combination of tart lemonade and sweet strawberries creates a flavor that is simply unforgettable.

Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix (such as Duncan Hines® Lemon Supreme)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups water, divided
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• ¼ cup cold water
• 3.4 ounce package instant lemon pudding mix
• ½ cup milk
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O®)
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip®), thawed
• Cooking Spray

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, oil, 1 cup water, and lemon zest. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon juice, remaining 1 cup water, gelatin mix, and cold water. Pour over the hot cake.
• In a small bowl, mix together the pudding mix and milk. Pour over the top of the cake.
• Spread the thawed whipped topping over the top of the cake.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 piece (1/12 of cake)
• Calories: 299
• Total Fat: 9.9g
• Saturated Fat: 2.1g
• Cholesterol: 27mg
• Sodium: 372mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48.9g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.7g
• Sugars: 28.1g
• Protein: 3.2g

What is the origin of poke cake and why is it popular?

The origin of poke cake dates back to the 1950s. It is believed to have been first created by a woman named Ella Helfrich, who won second place in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for her recipe. Poke cake became popular due to its simplicity and versatility. The basic idea behind poke cake is to pierce a baked cake with holes and pour liquid into the holes. This liquid can be anything from jello, to pudding, to sweetened condensed milk. The liquid is then absorbed by the cake making it incredibly moist and flavorful. It also makes the cake incredibly easy to decorate, as the liquid can be used to create a colorful and textured topping.

How does adding strawberries and lemonade to a poke cake change the flavor profile?

Adding strawberries and lemonade to a poke cake will create a unique flavor combination that is both sweet and tart. The strawberries will add a bright and juicy flavor, while the lemonade will add a zesty and citrusy kick. Here are some of the ways in which the flavor profile of a poke cake can be changed by adding strawberries and lemonade:

• The strawberries will add a natural sweetness and tartness to the cake, creating an interesting flavor contrast.
• The lemonade will bring out the tart and zesty flavors of the strawberries, creating a balance of sweet and sour.
• The combination of the two will create a unique flavor profile that is reminiscent of a refreshing summer drink.
• The addition of the lemonade will also give the poke cake a light and fluffy texture.
• The overall flavor of the cake will be enhanced by the combination of tart and sweet, creating a unique and memorable taste.

What are the benefits of using homemade versus store-bought lemonade in a poke cake?

The Benefits of Using Homemade Versus Store-Bought Lemonade in a Poke Cake:

• Homemade lemonade has a fresher, brighter flavor than store-bought lemonade, which can result in a more flavorful cake.
• Homemade lemonade is made with fewer preservatives and additives than store-bought lemonade, which can lead to a healthier dessert.
• You can control the sweetness of homemade lemonade by adding more or less sugar than what is found in store-bought lemonade.
• Homemade lemonade is generally less expensive than store-bought lemonade.
• Making homemade lemonade is a fun and easy way to customize a poke cake to your own taste.

How does the texture of a poke cake change based on the ingredients used?

The texture of a poke cake can change significantly depending on the ingredients used.

• For example, using a sponge cake mix as the base for a Strawberry Lemonade Poke Cake will produce a light, fluffy cake.
• If a pound cake mix is used instead, the cake will have a denser, more dense texture.
• Different types of fillings and frostings can also affect the texture of the cake.
• For example, if a cream cheese frosting is used, the cake will have a creamy, smooth texture.
• If a whipped cream frosting is used, the cake will have a lighter and airier texture.
• The type of pudding or jello used in the poke cake can also affect the texture.
• For example, if instant pudding is used, the cake will be firmer and more dense.
• If a prepared jello is used, the cake will have a softer, jiggly texture.
• Lastly, the type of fruit used in the poke cake can also affect the texture.
• For example, using strawberries will produce a cake with a slightly crunchier texture than if blueberries were used.

What tips and tricks can be used to make a perfect poke cake every time?

Make sure to use a box cake mix for the cake layer. This will provide a consistent result and make your poke cake easier to prepare.

• When it comes to making the cake batter, use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a light, fluffy cake.
• When poking the holes in the cake, use the rounded end of a wooden spoon to ensure even spacing and consistent size.
• When adding the filling, let the cake cool completely before adding the lemonade mixture.
• For added flavor, use fresh lemons and squeeze the juice directly into the cake.
• For the topping, use fresh strawberries and add a spoonful of sugar before blending. This will ensure the topping is sweet enough without being too sweet.
• Before serving, let the cake chill in the fridge for at least an hour to ensure the flavors meld together and the topping sets.

What other flavors can be used to make a unique poke cake?

When it comes to making a unique poke cake, the possibilities are virtually endless! There are plenty of flavors that can be used to create a delicious poke cake. From classic combinations like chocolate and peanut butter, to fruity options like peach and raspberry, the only limit is your own imagination.

For a classic flavor combination, try combining chocolate and peanut butter for a decadent poke cake. Start with a chocolate cake mix, and when it comes out of the oven, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke several holes in the top of the cake. Then, make a peanut butter filling by combining melted butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and a few tablespoons of milk. Spread this mixture over the top of the cake, and then refrigerate until it’s set.

If you’re looking for a lighter, fruitier flavor, try a poke cake made with peach and raspberry. Start with a white cake mix, and once it’s done baking, poke the holes in the top. Then, make a raspberry filling using melted butter, raspberry jam, powdered sugar, and a few tablespoons of milk. Spread this mixture over the top of the cake, and then make a peach filling by combining melted butter, powdered sugar, canned peach pie filling, and a few tablespoons of milk. Spread this mixture over the top of the raspberry layer, and then refrigerate until it’s set.

There are plenty of other flavor combinations to try when making a poke cake. For a tropical twist, try combining coconut and pineapple. Start with a yellow cake mix, and after it’s baked, poke the holes in the top. Make a pineapple filling by combining melted butter, powdered sugar, canned pineapple tidbits, and a few tablespoons of milk. Spread this mixture over the top of the cake, and then make a coconut filling by combining melted butter, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and a few tablespoons of milk. Spread this mixture over the top of the pineapple layer, and then refrigerate until it’s set.

No matter what flavors you choose, poke cakes are easy to make and always delicious.