Craving a delightful dessert that screams summer? Look no further than the irresistible Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake. Bursting with the tangy goodness of lemon cake mix and the sweet allure of raspberry jam, this treat is a surefire hit for any occasion.
Poke cakes have taken the dessert world by storm, and this Lemon Raspberry version is no exception. With a light and fresh flavor profile, it’s the perfect sweet ending to any meal, especially during the warmer months.
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of this easy-to-make dessert that combines the zesty kick of lemon with the fruity sweetness of raspberry. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake recipe that’s bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake involves a few essential components. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to bring out the delightful blend of flavors in this summer dessert.
Cake Base
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- Water, vegetable oil, and eggs (as per cake mix instructions)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- Zest of one lemon
Raspberry Filling
- 1/4 cup of water
- 12 oz of fresh raspberries
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Fresh lemon zest (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
For making this delightful Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls on hand for preparing different components of the cake.
- Spatula: A spatula will come in handy for spreading the sweetened condensed milk and raspberry sauce onto the cake.
- Wooden Spoon: You’ll need a wooden spoon for mashing and stirring the raspberry sauce as it cooks.
- Medium Saucepan: A medium saucepan is essential for cooking the raspberry sauce to perfection.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: If you prefer a seedless raspberry sauce, a fine mesh strainer will be useful for removing the seeds.
- Baking Pan: Prepare a baking pan as per the cake mix instructions to bake the lemon cake.
- Wire Whisk: A wire whisk will be needed for beating the heavy cream to make the whipped topping.
Having these basic kitchen tools ready before you start baking will make the process efficient and enjoyable.
Preparation
Preparing the Cake
To begin making the delightful Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake, follow the instructions on a box of lemon cake mix. Substitute water with lemon juice and milk for extra flavor. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes.
Making the Raspberry Filling
After the cake has slightly cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the top. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk generously over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Spread warm raspberry preserves on top of the milk-soaked cake. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours until it’s completely chilled.
Baking the Cake
To bake the lemon raspberry poke cake, start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish. Then, prepare the lemon cake mix according to the package directions and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Bake the cake according to the package instructions and allow it to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, use a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes halfway down into the cake. The holes are essential for absorbing the sweetened condensed milk and raspberry sauce later on. There is no specific number of holes required, but make sure to create plenty of them to allow for thorough soaking.
Next, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add boiling water to the raspberry jello and stir until dissolved. Evenly pour the jello mixture over the cake, ensuring that it fills all the holes created earlier. Following this, microwave the raspberry preserves for about 30 seconds in a small bowl to make it easier to spread. Pour the warm preserves over the cake and spread it evenly to cover the surface.
Assembling the Poke Cake
Adding the Raspberry Filling
- Bake the lemon cake according to the package directions.
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, fresh raspberries, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the raspberries break down.
- Mash the raspberries with a spoon while heating.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and strain out the seeds if desired using a fine mesh strainer.
- Return the strained sauce to the pan and place it back on the heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch, then stir it into the sauce until slightly thickened.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the cake and spread it using a spatula to fill the holes.
- Spread the raspberry sauce over the cake and into the holes.
- Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator to chill.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar.
- Beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.
- Add the lemon zest and gently fold it into the whipped cream.
- Once the cake has chilled, spread the lemon frosting over the top using a spatula.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy lemon, sweet raspberry, and creamy frosting!
Serving and Presentation
When it comes to serving and presenting this delightful Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake, there are a few key steps to ensure a beautiful and appetizing final product.
1. Slicing and Plating:
After the cake has chilled and set in the refrigerator, carefully slice it into squares. Each slice should showcase the vibrant layers of lemon cake, raspberry sauce, and fluffy whipped cream.
2. Garnishing:
To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing each slice with a few fresh raspberries on top. The bright red berries contrast beautifully with the pale yellow cake and white whipped cream, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
3. Serving Suggestions:
Serve each slice on a chilled dessert plate to maintain the cake’s refreshing qualities. Pairing this Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of lemonade can enhance the overall dining experience.
With its irresistible combination of tangy lemon, sweet raspberries, and creamy whipped topping, this visually appealing dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Tips for Perfect Poke Cake
When making your lemon raspberry poke cake, a few key tips can elevate your dessert to perfection. Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your poke cake turns out just right:
Use Fresh Raspberries
For the best flavor, opt for fresh raspberries when making your raspberry sauce. However, if fresh raspberries are out of season, frozen raspberries can be a suitable alternative.
Cool the Cake Before Poking
Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before poking it with a wooden spoon handle. This will result in cleaner and more defined holes in the cake.
Chill Before Topping
It’s essential to cool the cake completely before adding the topping. If the cake is still warm, the whipped cream layer may melt, affecting the overall presentation.
Whipped Cream Texture
For a fluffier whipped cream, chill the mixing bowl and whisk attachment before preparing the whipped cream. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in the texture of the topping.
Use the Right Tool for Poking
To create the perfect holes in your poke cake, utilize the handle end of a wooden spoon. If you don’t have a wooden spoon, find a similar-sized tool to achieve consistent and even pokes across the cake.
Timing is Key
Add the whipped cream topping just before serving to maintain its freshness. Prepping the dessert ahead of time may result in the raspberry colors bleeding into the cream layer.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your lemon raspberry poke cake not only looks visually appealing but also delights with its vibrant flavors and textures.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
When it comes to storing your delicious Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake, you want to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you preserve this delightful dessert:
- Refrigeration: Once your poke cake is assembled and topped with the luscious raspberry sauce and lemon frosting, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it cool and preserve its flavors.
- Container Choice: Opt for a container with a lid to store your poke cake. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent any unwanted odors from affecting the cake.
- Storage Time: Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this time, the flavors may start to diminish, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh whenever possible.
- Make-Ahead: If you want to prepare parts of the poke cake in advance, you can bake the cake layers and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. You can also make the homemade raspberry sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble the cake.
- Freezing: While the poke cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover slices for up to 1-2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
By following these storing and make-ahead tips, you can ensure that your Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake retains its delicious flavors and textures, ready to be enjoyed whenever you crave a sweet and tangy treat.
Conclusion
Creating a Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake is a surefire way to elevate your dessert game. With the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this summer treat is bound to impress your taste buds. By following the expert tips shared in this article, you can ensure that every bite is a burst of deliciousness. From using fresh raspberries to mastering the art of poking the cake at the right moment, each step plays a crucial role in achieving dessert perfection. Remember to store your masterpiece correctly to preserve its flavors and textures for future indulgence. So, next time you’re in the mood for a delightful and refreshing dessert, whip up a Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake and treat yourself to a slice of pure culinary bliss.
