Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and weekend BBQs, this easy strawberry lemonade cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
Say hello to your go-to summer dessert! Does anything scream SUNSHINE more than lemonade? And strawberries? I say no.
Strawberry lemonade is a classic for a reason and this cake is a new classic in my house. Just ask my pants, which don’t fit so well right now. (See also this lemon tart if you’re unaware of my love for lemon-y desserts.)
Next year I’m only going to make dog treats in the lead-up to bikini season. Because this year is already a bust.
Are you lucky enough to have been eating poke cakes all your life? I’m relatively new to them. After this strawberry shortcake layer cake I made last year, I wanted to try my hand at another berry poke cake and thought lemonade would add a delicious and pucker-y twist.
The result is even yummier than I’d hoped.
This easy (EASY!) cake starts with a boxed lemon cake mix (you can use yellow or white mix but the cake won’t be as lemony, of course.)
After baking the cake, use the handle of a wooden spoon (or a large-pronged fork) to poke holes all over the cake. Then you mix strawberry gelatin, water, and lemonade concentrate, and pour it over the cake. Let it cool, frost it with whipped topping, and refrigerate. That’s it!
No leveling of cake layers, no making of buttercream. Just simple, straightforward mixing and baking.
But the best part about this easy strawberry lemonade cake is that it’s make-ahead, and tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. Since you serve it cold, and since strawberries and lemonade are so refreshing anyway, this is a perfect thing to serve outside by the pool when the heat really hits us this summer.
Or, if you’re in Phoenix, when the heat really hits us around 8 this morning.
Strawberry lemonade cake for a post-Cookie-walk cool-down is a thing right? If not, it’s becoming a thing today!
- 1 15.25-ounce box lemon cake mix*
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup room temperature water
- finely grated zest of half lemon
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons thawed lemonade concentrate divided
- 1 3-ounce box strawberry gelatin
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons thawed lemonade concentrate
- 1 8-ounce tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- finely grated zest of half a lemon or more to taste
- Sliced strawberries for garnish
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour. Set pan aside.
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Combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, room temperature water, lemon zest, and 1/2 cup lemonade concentrate in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer set to medium for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pan. Bake as the box directs for a 13- by 9-inch cake.
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Remove cake from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. While cake is cooling, stir the gelatin into the boiling water; continue stirring until it dissolves, about 2 minutes. Stir in the the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemonade concentrate.
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Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes 1 inch apart across the whole cake. Pour the jello mixture over the cake, then cool completely.
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Once cake is cool, stir the lemon zest into the whipped topping. Spread into an even layer over the cake, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Garnish with sliced berries and serve.
Winter this year was far too long, we had nothing but rain so far here in London but thankfully the weather forecast for the coming bank holiday weekend is rather promising and this cake would be the perfect way to celebrate the arrival spring!
Thank you, Miriam!
I love lemony desserts too Kelsie. And poke cakes! This looks like it will be a winner at all the summer parties!
Thank you, Mary Ann!
Wait!? It’s bikini season already? Oh man, I’ve got to get to work if I hope to fit in that 2-piece this year. 🙂 Seriously, though, this cake is really fun, Kelsie. I’ve only made a couple of poke cakes as well, but this takes poke cakes to a new level…it makes them summer-worthy! If you need help eating this one, then come on up! We’ll set up a kiddie pool in the backyard and pretend that we’re at the beach. Haha!
Haha! It’s almost here, David. Thank you and happy Cinco de Mayo!
Holy YUM! I love poke cakes, and this one is getting added to the list! <3
Thank you, Kim!
Bahaha – ‘this year is a bust’. I hear ya girlfriend! I think all those treats are well worth it, though 😉 Love this combination – definitely screams summer! And, ya know, there’s fruit there so it ain’t all that bad…hehehe! Have a wonderful weekend, Kelsie!
Thank you, Dawn! They’re so worth it aren’t they?
I love this idea! Strawberry lemonade really is the taste of summer! Such a clever way to leverage its flavors in a cake. I’d add birthday parties to the list of reasons people need to make one:) Pinned!
Thank you, Milena!
Seriously, it’s like you just know what I love, girl!!! Strawberry lemonade is a favorite of mine, so you know I’m drooling over here!!!! Gimme ALL of this deliciousness! Cheers!
Awww thanks, Chey!
Totally the epitome of Summer! Strawberry lemonade is my favorite drink during the hot summer months, so now I think I must pair it with this cake! Yum! have a great weekend Kelsie 🙂 XOXO
Thank you, Kelly! Strawberry lemonade is just so refreshing isn’t it?
I’ve never had a lemonade cake but looks perfect for a spring time treat. I’m a huge fan of lemon cake so I have a feeling this cake is right up my alley!!! I also love anything that has strawberries in it 🙂
Thank you, Mary! If you like strawberries and lemons then you’ll love this!
I see you’re moving to summer desserts, and I’m excited about that (Need to start an ice cream factory myself). This cake sounds and looks so refreshing and delicious. You might consider sending it to me as my birthday present. Also, I wouldn’t be so sure about dog treats. Those I’ve seen on your blog, always looked quite appealing and delicious! So think of making healthy dog treats too 🙂
Your factory would produce the best ice cream, I’m sure of it. Your creativity rivals Ben and Jerry! If I hadn’t finished off the cake in about a day I’d totally have sent you the leftovers 🙂
This cake looks so gorgeous Kelsie….I am so jealous that Summer is heading your way…here on the other side of the world, we are heading into winter and this is perfect to brighten up the cold days. Looks really delicious. 🙂
Thank you, Ashika!
this might be the most moist cake i’ve ever seen! poke cakes are great and i love the flavors you’ve used. for whatever reason, i can tolerate lemon when strawberry is also involved. 🙂
Haha! Thank you 🙂
You know, sometimes I girl wants to enjoy strawberry lemonade in cake form! I’m so excited summer is right around the corner! I plan on hosting and attending as many BBQ’s as possible so you best believe I pinned this tasty looking cake for later 🙂
Thank you, Christina!
I was just in AZ visiting some of my family. The heat was a welcome change from New England weather. It got hot, but I like how it cooled off nicely at night. This cake is sensational!! I love everything about it: the strawberry lemonade, the vibrant color, and the summery feel! Plus, I’m all over any whipped (or whipped cream) topping—it just makes any dessert light and refreshing. 😍
I hope you had a fun trip! Thank you,Thao!
So simple and beautiful ! Thank you !
Thank you!
This truly is a summer dessert Kelsie! I’ve only made a poke cake once before. It was lemon and so delicious! Not sure why I have’t made another one?!? I guess the next one I make will be strawberry lemon! 😉
Definitely make another poke cake! You can’t go wrong with strawberry lemon 🙂
That’s deliciousness in a plate!! We chug gallons of strawberry lemonade around here, so this is a total winner in our home. Hope you are having a fun weekend Kelsie:)
Thank you, Maria!
This is my favorite summer flavor combo and I love how simple it is to make!
Thank you, Carlee!
You know what is really embarresing? I have never either made or ate a poke cake. Its just not really a thing in the UK, but I must admit I really love the look of this one. Yum 😀
Thank you, Emma!