Looking for a quick and easy dessert to brighten up your weeknight dinner? This homemade lemon poke cake is a family favorite, made with moist lemon-infused cake and a burst of citrus flavor. Save for later and indulge in a slice tonight.

Lemon Poke Cake

Introduction

The Lemon Poke Cake is a refreshing and moist dessert that combines the brightness of lemon with the simplicity of a poke cake. This creative dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, and its ease of preparation makes it a favorite among home bakers. By using everyday ingredients and a few clever techniques, you can create a stunning and delicious cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for those short on time or new to baking.

Why This Works

• The balance of lemon flavor and sweetness creates a delightful taste experience that’s both tangy and sweet.
• The accessibility of the ingredients, including lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar, makes this cake a practical choice for any home baker.
• The impressive results, including a moist and flavorful cake with a beautiful, sunny glaze, belie the minimal effort required to prepare it.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this Lemon Poke Cake include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed, and use either fresh or bottled lemon juice. The lemon zest adds a nice brightness and texture to the cake, so try to use fresh lemons if possible. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste, depending on how strong you like your lemon flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and lemon zest.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, eggs, and lemon juice. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the glaze over the warm cake, making sure to fill all the holes. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• Don’t overbake the cake, as this can cause it to dry out. Check the cake frequently during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Let the cake cool completely before serving, as this will help the glaze set and the cake to retain its moisture.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the cake is 350°F (180°C), and the cake should be baked for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the cake frequently during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid overbaking. The cake is done when it’s lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Crunch Factor

The Lemon Poke Cake should be moist and tender, with a lovely crunch from the lemon zest on top. To achieve this, make sure to not overbake the cake and to let it cool completely before serving. The glaze should be smooth and creamy, with a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a high-quality lemon zest to get the best flavor and texture. You can also use a microplane to get a nice, fine zest.
• Don’t overmix the glaze, as this can cause it to become too thick and sticky. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• Let the cake cool completely before serving, as this will help the glaze set and the cake to retain its moisture. You can also refrigerate the cake for up to 2 hours before serving to help it set.

Storage Tips

• The Lemon Poke Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Freeze the cake for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw the cake at room temperature or refrigerate it overnight before serving.
• Reheat the cake by wrapping it in foil and heating it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Lemon Poke Cake is a lovely gift for friends and family, and can be packaged in a variety of ways. Try wrapping the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tying it with a ribbon, or placing it in a decorative tin or cake box. You can also add a few fresh lemons or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a nice touch.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a nice, creamy flavor.
• 🌟 Use different types of citrus zest, such as orange or lime, for a unique flavor twist.
• 🌟 Add a handful of chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cake is too dense, try adjusting the ratio of flour to sugar. If the cake is too dry, try adding more lemon juice or eggs.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have lemon zest, try using lemon extract or a different type of citrus zest. If you don’t have powdered sugar, try using granulated sugar or a different type of sweetener.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the cake is overbaked, it will be dry and crumbly. If the cake is underbaked, it will be raw and soggy. Check the cake frequently during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid overbaking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the Lemon Poke Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw the cake at room temperature or refrigerate it overnight before serving.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the Lemon Poke Cake contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the Lemon Poke Cake recipe can be doubled or tripled if needed. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cake to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

The Lemon Poke Cake is a delicious and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With its easy preparation and impressive results, it’s a great option for home bakers of all levels. Try experimenting with different flavor variations and substitutions to make the cake your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy baking!