Desserts

Lemon Lime Poke Cake Recipe

Lemon Lime Poke Cake is the perfect dessert! This cake is so easy to make, and pairs well with any meal, making it perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any upcoming gathering. The tangy flavors of lemon and lime combine…

slice of lemon lime poke cake served on a blue plate

Lemon Lime Poke Cake is the perfect dessert! This cake is so easy to make, and pairs well with any meal, making it perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any upcoming gathering. The tangy flavors of lemon and lime combine with light and airy cake to result in a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is not too tart. And because it is filled with lemon pudding, this is one super moist and super creamy cake!

Why Is It Called Poke Cake?

Poke cake gets it name from the preparation process; the cake is poked with holes that are filled with a flavored liquid, which can vary depending on the particular recipe. These filled holes are what make poke cake a particularly moist and creamy dessert.

Who Invented Poke Cake?

Poke Cake was invented in 1969 by General Foods Corporation, as a way to increase sales of their flagship product, Jell-O. The original version is made by baking a white sheet cake, poking holes with a fork all over the top of the cake, and then pouring strawberry Jell-O all over the top of the cake, allowing it to fill the 'poked' holes.

Why You'll Love Lemon Lime Poke Cake

This Lemon Lime Poke Cake recipe calls for the cake to be infused with both lemon and lime gelatin. The cake is then poked again with larger holes that are then filled with lemon pudding. This double-poke method gives the cake a delightful trifecta of flavor that you will want to devour! The finished cake is also covered with whipped topping and a sprinkling of lemon and lime zest, providing an additional layer of fresh sweetness.

a slice of Lemon Lime Poke Cake on a white saucer on top of a blue plate

How To Make Lemon Lime Poke Cake Step By Step

Step #1: Bake cake in 13x9 pan according to package instructions. Allow to cool.

Step #2: Using a fork, poke holes in the top of the cake.

Step #3: Mix together the lime gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved, and then spoon half of the gelatin carefully over the cake (reserve the other half), making sure to pour over the holes.

Step #4: Mix together the lemon gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved, and then spoon half of the gelatin carefully over the cake (reserve the other half), making sure to pour over the holes.

Step #5: Mix together the lemon pudding with the milk until smooth. Poke larger holes in the cake with the end of a wooden spoon. Pour the pudding into the holes.

Lemon Lime Poke Cake in a white cake pan next to a white bowl of lime gelatin and a white bowl of lemon gelatin

Step #6: Top the cake with whipped topping and lemon and lime zest.

Step #7: Chill for 4 hours before serving.

Enjoy!

More Delicious Cakes Like Lemon Lime Poke Cake

Recipe

Recipe

Lemon Lime Poke Cake

  • Yield Servings 12
  • Prep Prep Time 10 mins
  • Cook Cook Time 35 mins
  • Total Total Time 45 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 18.25 ounce package white cake mix, prepared to package instructions
  • 1 package, 3 ounce package lime gelatin, divided
  • 1 package, 3 ounce package lemon gelatin, divided
  • 1 package, 3.4 ounce package lemon pudding
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 2 cup boiling water, for gelatin
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
  • Lime and lemon zest

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bake cake in 13x9 pan according to package instructions. Allow to cool.

  2. 2

    Using a fork, poke holes in the top of the cake.

  3. 3

    Mix together the lime gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved, and then spoon half of the gelatin carefully over the cake (reserve the other half), making sure to pour over the holes.

  4. 4

    Mix together the lemon gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved, and then spoon half of the gelatin carefully over the cake (reserve the other half), making sure to pour over the holes.

  5. 5

    Mix together the lemon pudding with the milk until smooth. Poke large holes in the cake with the end of a wooden spoon. Pour the pudding into the holes.

  6. 6

    Top the cake with whipped topping and lemon and lime zest.

  7. 7

    Chill for 4 hours before serving.