Name: Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 15.25 oz box strawberry cake mix (Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist recommended); 3 large eggs; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 cup water; ½ cup sour cream; 1 3.4 oz lemon instant pudding mix; 2 cups whole milk (cold); 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed); Strawberries (washed, dried, and diced for topping)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly captures the bright, sunny flavors of summer in every bite, this Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the sweet tang of strawberries with the zesty punch of lemon pudding, this cake is moist, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The magic happens when lemon pudding seeps into the cake’s soft crumb through the classic poke holes, making each forkful a delightful burst of creamy citrus goodness crowned with fluffy whipped topping and fresh strawberries. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square piece of dessert sits on a white plate with a thin gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface decorated with colorful small floral patterns. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a pink, moist cake with a spongy texture, the middle layer is made of small yellow fruit pieces embedded in white cream, and the top layer is thick white whipped cream with a fluffy texture, topped with small chopped red strawberries and a few sliced strawberries. Fresh whole strawberries surround the plate, and a green container filled with strawberries is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a critical role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal your Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe is known for. From the moist strawberry cake base to the creamy lemon pudding filling and fresh strawberries on top, every component shines.

15.25 oz box strawberry cake mix: The foundation of the cake providing a naturally sweet and fruity flavor with moist texture.
3 large eggs: Essential for structure and richness in the cake batter.
⅓ cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake tender and moist without overpowering the delicate flavors.
1 cup water: Adds moisture to ensure the cake bakes up light and fluffy.
½ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra tenderness to the crumb.
3.4 oz lemon instant pudding: The star ingredient for that unmistakable fresh lemon flavor and silky texture that fills the cake.
2 cups cold whole milk: Necessary for setting the lemon pudding perfectly.
8 oz Cool Whip (thawed): Provides a creamy, airy topping that balances the citrus notes beautifully.
Fresh strawberries (washed, dried, diced): Adds vibrant color, texture, and a burst of juicy sweetness to finish the dessert.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and preparing a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sour cream. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about two minutes, scraping the sides to blend everything evenly. Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for roughly 25-28 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness—clean when inserted into the center means your cake is ready. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before moving on.

Step 2: Create the Poke Pattern

Once your cake is slightly cooled but still warm, take the end of a round spoon and gently poke holes an inch apart all over the surface. This step is crucial because those holes are how the luscious lemon pudding will seep right into the cake, infusing every bite with tangy creaminess. After poking, allow your cake to cool completely, ensuring it’s ready to absorb the filling just right.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Pudding Filling

Take your lemon instant pudding mix and whisk it into cold milk for a full two minutes until thickened and smooth. To get that perfect set texture, refrigerate your pudding mixture for 30 minutes. This chilling step guarantees it’s firm enough to be piped into the cake holes without running everywhere.

Step 4: Fill the Cake and Add Toppings

Once your cake is completely cooled and pudding chilled, transfer the pudding into a piping bag. Carefully pipe the lemon pudding into each of the holes, letting it soak in beautifully. With an offset spatula, spread any remaining pudding evenly over the top of the cake. Next, spread a generous layer of the thawed Cool Whip over everything, creating a light and creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the cake’s zesty filling.

Step 5: Chill and Add Fresh Strawberries

Cover your masterpiece and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling period allows all those flavors to meld together and sets the topping perfectly for slicing. Just before serving, sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries over the top, adding not only stunning color but also a bite of fresh sweetness that complements the lemon and strawberry combination like a dream.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe

The image shows a rectangular metal baking pan with a layered dessert inside. The bottom layer is a soft pinkish cake, topped with a thick, white whipped cream layer spread evenly but with gentle swirls. Scattered on the whipped cream are small, bright red pieces of fresh strawberry, adding a pop of color. Around the pan on a white marbled surface, whole and sliced strawberries are placed casually. The background elements include a white bowl with orange slices and a green bowl partly visible, along with a few strawberry leaves. The scene is bright and fresh, capturing the dessert in a simple, clean setting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, consider adding a few whole strawberries or even a thin slice of lemon zest on each serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation, enhancing the cake’s cheerful look and enticing everyone to dive in.

Side Dishes

This cake shines brightest as the star of your dessert table, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can turn every bite into a luscious experience. Fresh mint leaves on the side add a refreshing contrast to the rich citrus flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by serving your poke cake in clear dessert cups, layering the cake with extra whipped topping and strawberry slices visually perfect for parties. Or try turning it into individual mini poke cakes by baking in muffin tins and poking and filling just like the big cake. Either way, it’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Leftovers stay fresh for up to 4 days, maintaining moisture and flavor thanks to the pudding filling infused throughout.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake before adding the Cool Whip topping. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then add the whipped topping and fresh strawberries before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating. The cool, creamy pudding and whipped topping really bring the Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe to life, and warm servings can change its texture and taste. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes if it feels too cold straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade approach, a light and fluffy strawberry cake from scratch will work wonderfully. Just make sure your cake isn’t too dense to allow the pudding to absorb well.

What can I substitute for Cool Whip?

If you want to avoid Cool Whip, whipped heavy cream sweetened with a little powdered sugar is a fantastic alternative, offering a fresh, creamy topping that complements the pudding perfectly.

How long should I let the pudding set before piping?

About 30 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal for the pudding to thicken enough to pipe nicely without being runny and so it can hold its place in the cake holes.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare the cake, poke and fill the holes with pudding, then refrigerate overnight. Add the Cool Whip topping and strawberries just before serving.

What type of strawberries work best for this recipe?

Fresh, ripe strawberries that are firm and sweet will give you the best flavor and texture contrast. Avoid overly ripe or mushy strawberries as they can make the topping too watery.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake Recipe is a true celebration of fresh flavors and delightful textures that will wow friends, family, or even just you after a long day. Its balanced sweetness, tangy lemon filling, and fresh fruity finish make it unforgettable and endlessly crave-worthy. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this charming cake your go-to dessert for any occasion—you’ll be smiling with every bite!