Indulge in the refreshingly sweet and tangy flavors of our Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake. This delightful dessert starts with a moist lemon cake base, deeply infused with a rich raspberry jam, and crowned with a light, airy raspberry whipped cream. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, promising a simply unforgettable experience with every slice.

Irresistible Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake: Your New Favorite Dessert

Welcome to the delightful world of poke cakes, where culinary simplicity meets extraordinary flavor! Our poke cake recipes consistently rank as top favorites among home bakers and dessert enthusiasts, inspiring us to continuously innovate with new and exciting flavor combinations. This Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake is a shining example of such creativity, born from the idea of blending tart, zesty lemon with sweet, juicy raspberries. By opting for a vibrant fruit jam instead of traditional pudding, we’ve created a unique, intensely fruity infusion that permeates every inch of the cake. The result? A dessert so remarkably delicious and effortlessly made, it’s bound to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. The subtle swirl of raspberry into the creamy whipped topping adds a touch of visual elegance and an extra burst of berry goodness that is simply irresistible and incredibly satisfying.

Why This Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake is a Must-Try

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that offers both vibrant, fresh flavors and an impressive presentation without demanding hours of intricate effort, then your search ends here. This Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake effortlessly ticks all the right boxes. Poke cakes are celebrated for their incredible moisture content and exceptional ability to absorb flavor, and this recipe elevates that reputation to new heights. The tender lemon cake provides a bright, zesty base that perfectly complements the sweet-tart punch of the raspberry jam. This delicious jam seeps deeply into every crevice created by the ‘poke’ method, ensuring a burst of berry flavor in every forkful. Crowned with a cloud-like, raspberry-infused whipped cream, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of citrus and berry, making it a perfect, refreshing treat for spring celebrations, summer gatherings, holiday meals, or any occasion where a delightfully easy and flavorful dessert is desired.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Your Poke Cake

Achieving poke cake perfection is far simpler than you might imagine, especially when armed with a few clever tips and an open mind for creative variations:

• **Endless Flavor Experimentation:** While the lemon and raspberry combination is a timeless classic for a reason, the adaptability of this recipe allows for endless experimentation. Consider using blueberry preserves or even strawberry preserves for equally fantastic alternatives, especially if you wish to align with seasonal fruits or personal preferences. For a delightful twist, imagine a white cake mix infused with strawberry jam, or a classic vanilla cake paired with a sweet peach preserve. The possibilities are truly boundless!
• **Beyond Traditional Berries:** Don’t feel confined to just berry flavors. Explore other fruit preserves like apricot, cherry, or a rich mixed berry blend to introduce exciting and nuanced flavor profiles. Each choice will create a distinctly unique and delicious version of this beloved dessert.
• **Elevating the Cake Mix:** While a high-quality lemon cake mix provides a wonderfully convenient and zesty foundation, you can certainly switch up the cake flavor. A classic vanilla or simple white cake mix would also work beautifully, allowing the intense raspberry infusion to take center stage. For an extra layer of citrus brightness and complexity, consider adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest directly into your cake batter before baking.
• **The Art of Poking:** The secret to a truly moist and flavor-infused poke cake lies in making sure your holes are evenly spaced and sufficiently deep. Aim for holes that are approximately ¾ to 1 inch deep and spaced about 1 inch apart across the entire surface of the warm cake. The handle of a wooden spoon, a sturdy round chopstick, or even the blunt end of a skewer are ideal tools for creating these perfect channels for flavor.
• **The Importance of Chilling:** Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to poke cakes. Do not rush the chilling process! Allowing the cake ample time in the refrigerator (a minimum of 2-4 hours, or even better, overnight) is crucial. This extended chilling period ensures that the jam mixture fully absorbs into the cake, resulting in an irresistibly moist texture and allowing all the beautiful flavors to thoroughly meld and deepen.
• **Homemade Whipped Cream Alternative:** While convenient frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) provides a wonderfully light and effortless finish, you can absolutely elevate this cake with a homemade whipped cream. Simply whip cold heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. For a subtle lemon or raspberry hint, add a tiny bit of zest or a tablespoon of raspberry syrup to your homemade cream.
• **Presentation Perfected:** For a stunning visual appeal, don’t just spread the whipped topping; create a gorgeous swirl with the remaining preserves. After applying the whipped cream, dollop small spoonfuls of the jam randomly over the surface. Then, using a butter knife or skewer, gently drag it through the dollops and cream to create elegant marbled patterns.

Gathering Your Ingredients for This Lemon Raspberry Masterpiece

Crafting this incredible Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake requires a refreshingly simple list of ingredients, many of which you might already have readily available in your pantry or refrigerator. The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable nature, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require a complicated grocery list:

• **Lemon Cake Mix:** This forms the delicious and zesty foundation of our cake. A standard 15.25-ounce box is typically all you need to create a tender and flavorful base that perfectly complements the berry infusion.
• **Standard Cake Mix Ingredients:** To prepare your chosen lemon cake mix, you’ll generally require a few common pantry staples. These typically include eggs, vegetable oil (or another neutral oil), and water, all used according to the specific directions provided on your cake mix package. These ingredients work together to ensure a wonderfully moist and tender crumb for your cake.
• **Raspberry Preserves (or Jam):** The undisputed star of our infusion! You’ll need a total of 1 cup of good quality raspberry preserves, which will be thoughtfully divided for both filling the cake’s poked holes and creating a beautiful, flavorful swirl on top. Opt for a preserve with a rich, authentic raspberry flavor for the best results.
• **Water:** A small amount of water is strategically used to thin the raspberry preserves. This crucial step allows the jam mixture to easily and effectively seep down into the poked holes of the cake, ensuring thorough saturation and maximum flavor distribution.
• **Frozen Whipped Topping (Cool Whip), Thawed:** An 8-ounce tub of thawed frozen whipped topping provides a wonderfully light, airy, and convenient topping. Its delicate texture offers a perfect contrast to the rich cake and jam. For those who prefer a more gourmet touch, consider making a homemade whipped cream, as detailed in our tips section above.
• **Optional Garnishes:** To elevate both the visual appeal and the fresh taste of your finished cake, we highly recommend fresh raspberries and a few delicate sprigs of fresh mint. These garnishes add a vibrant pop of color and a burst of complementary freshness, making each slice even more enticing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake

Follow these straightforward steps to create your own show-stopping Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake, a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to devour:

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Cake Base and Bake

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). An accurately preheated oven is key for consistent and even baking. Next, meticulously prepare your lemon cake mix following the precise instructions provided on its package. This typically involves combining the dry cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water in a large mixing bowl, then blending until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Carefully pour the prepared batter evenly into a greased and lightly floured 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for the duration specified on the cake mix box, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the very center of the cake comes out perfectly clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10 to 15 minutes. It should still be warm to the touch when you proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Meticulously Poke the Holes!

Once your freshly baked cake has cooled just enough to be warm but not hot, grab the handle of a wooden spoon, a sturdy round chopstick, or a similar blunt-ended utensil. Begin systematically poking holes across the entire surface of the cake. It’s important to aim for holes that are approximately ¾ to 1 inch deep and evenly spaced about 1 inch apart. Creating this consistent network of holes is absolutely essential, as these channels will allow the luscious raspberry jam mixture to fully penetrate the cake, creating delightful pockets of intensely fruity moisture in every single slice.

Step 3: Craft the Raspberry Infusion Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine ¾ cup of your chosen raspberry preserves with 4 tablespoons of water. Using a whisk, vigorously blend these two ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, smooth, and the mixture has achieved a slightly thinned consistency. This specific consistency is critical, as it ensures that the preserve can easily and effectively seep into the myriad of holes you’ve meticulously created in the cake, facilitating maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4: Saturate the Cake with Raspberry Goodness

Carefully and slowly pour the thinned raspberry mixture evenly over the warm, poked cake. Take your time during this step to ensure that the majority of the rich, fruity mixture flows directly into the prepared holes. You may gently spread any excess preserves that remain on the top surface with the back of a spoon. The residual warmth of the cake will significantly aid in the jam’s absorption, creating wonderfully moist and intensely flavorful pockets throughout the entire cake.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection and Add the Topping

Once the raspberry mixture has been distributed, cover the cake dish securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill until it is completely and thoroughly cold, which typically takes at least 2 to 4 hours. For the best flavor development and moist texture, chilling it overnight is highly recommended. This crucial step allows the cake to fully absorb the raspberry mixture and ensures all the flavors have ample time to meld beautifully. Once impeccably chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire surface of the cooled cake. For an appealing artistic flair, take the remaining ¼ cup of raspberry preserves and gently drop small teaspoonfuls randomly over the whipped cream. Then, using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl these preserves into the topping for a beautiful, eye-catching marbled effect.

Step 6: Slice, Serve, and Garnish

Once your Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake is perfectly chilled and beautifully topped, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Using a sharp knife, slice the cake into individual servings. For an extra touch of elegance, vibrant color, and fresh flavor, consider garnishing each slice with a few plump, fresh raspberries and a small sprig of fragrant fresh mint, if desired. Serve immediately to capture its peak freshness and watch it disappear as your guests savor every delightful bite!

More Delightful Dessert Inspirations

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed creating and tasting this exquisite Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake, then you are truly in for a sweet treat! Our extensive collection features a wide array of recipes meticulously designed to satisfy every possible sweet craving. From more incredible, moist poke cakes to other wonderfully fruity delights, here are some highly recommended recipes to inspire your very next baking adventure and keep the dessert magic going:

• Banana Pudding Poke Cake
• Red Velvet Poke Cake
• Boston Cream Poke Cake
• The Best Poke Cake Recipes
• Twinkie Poke Cake
• Orange Poke Cake
• Lemon Blueberry Poke Cake
• Shirley Temple Poke Cake
• Easy Raspberry Chocolate Tart
• Raspberry Upside Down Cake
• Raspberry Honey Butter
• Raspberry Crumble
• Raspberry Poke Cake

Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake: The Full Recipe

Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake

This delightful Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake is a true crowd-pleaser, starting with a tender lemon cake base that’s deeply infused with sweet and tangy raspberry jam, then generously crowned with a light, creamy raspberry whipped topping. It’s an easy-to-make dessert bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors!

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 12

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 15.25 ounce box lemon cake mix (plus ingredients required on box like eggs, oil, water)
• 1 cup raspberry preserves (divided use)
• 4 Tablespoons water
• 8 ounce tub frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare and bake the lemon cake mix according to the package directions, using a 9×13 inch baking dish. After baking, let the cake cool slightly on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
2. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar blunt object to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. Aim for holes about ¾ to 1 inch deep and roughly 1 inch apart.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of the raspberry preserves with 4 Tablespoons of water until the mixture is smooth and slightly thinned.
4. Pour this raspberry mixture evenly over the warm, poked cake, ensuring it seeps well into all the holes. Spread any excess gently over the cake’s surface.
5. Cover the cake dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the cake is thoroughly chilled, which will take at least 2 to 4 hours. For best results and deeper flavor, chilling overnight is ideal.
6. Once the cake is completely chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire surface.
7. Take the remaining ¼ cup of raspberry preserves and drop small teaspoonfuls randomly over the whipped cream. Gently swirl the preserves into the topping with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
8. Slice the cake into individual servings and, if desired, garnish each piece with fresh raspberries and a sprig of fresh mint before serving.

Recipe Notes

This recipe is highly adaptable! Feel free to substitute raspberry preserves with other fruit options like blueberry or strawberry preserves for delightful variations. Remember to adjust the cake mix flavor if you wish to complement your chosen fruit jam even further (e.g., vanilla cake with strawberry jam).

Watch the Recipe Video

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 253 kcal

Carbohydrates: 55 g

Protein: 3 g

Fat: 2 g

Sodium: 338 mg

Sugar: 32 g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. As we are not registered dietitians or nutritionists, the values presented are based on typical ingredient assumptions and can vary significantly depending on the specific brands, exact quantities, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information tailored to your needs, we strongly recommend utilizing a trusted online nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.

Did you make this delicious recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Share your Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake on Instagram by tagging @thecountrycook and make sure to use the hashtag #thecountrycook!

Originally published: July 2017

Updated & republished: April 2021