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If you’re looking for a bright and simple dessert, this Easy Limoncello Poke Cake is one to try. This lemon poke cake with pudding is made with a soft cake base, a creamy filling, and a hint of citrus from limoncello that brings everything together.

Limoncello Cake Feature Image with fork

This limoncello cake recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or when you just want something a little different. If you’ve been curious about using limoncello in recipes, this is a great place to start since it’s easy and comes out great every time.

Why I Love This Limoncello Poke Cake

  • Simple ingredients
  • Great make-ahead dessert
  • Perfect for gatherings
  • Bright lemon flavor
  • Great if you are trying to use up that bottle of limoncello in the freezer

Oh you know I love experimenting with a few boozy desserts every now and then. We enjoy stout cakes, eggnog cheesecake, and Irish Cream Oreo Truffles. I think it’s fun to bring a dessert to a gathering for the adults and this limoncello cake is no exception. And I LOVE lemon cakes and was thinking I needed to create a fun spin on it.

I shared this cake with a few friends who loved how light and lemony this dessert was. This recipe is great dessert for Summertime because it has a very light texture. Even with the whipped topping being the frosting. I hope you will love this limoncello recipe as much as we did!

Limoncello Cake fork shot

What is Limoncello?

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur made from lemon zest, alcohol, sugar, and water. It has a strong lemon flavor with a smooth sweetness, which makes it popular in desserts and drinks.

When using limoncello in recipes, it adds a fresh citrus taste that pairs really well with cakes, creams, and light desserts like this one.

Ingredients needed for this lemon poke cake with pudding

Limoncello Cake Ingredients
🍋 Lemon Cake Mix – The base of the cake that keeps this recipe quick and simple. It already has that lemon flavor built in, which works perfectly for this limoncello cake recipe.

🍋 Eggs – Helps bind everything together and give the cake structure as it bakes.

🍋 Water – Used to mix the cake batter and keep it smooth.

🍋 Canola Oil – Adds moisture to the cake and helps create a soft texture. You can use vegetable oil- I just prefer canola.

🍋 Lemon Zest – Brings in extra lemon flavor and makes the cake taste more fresh.

🍋 Instant Pudding Mix – This is what creates that classic lemon poke cake with pudding layer that soaks into the cake.

🍋 Milk – Helps the pudding mix come together and thicken properly.

🍋 Limoncello Liquor – The key ingredient that makes this one of those standout limoncello recipes. It adds a smooth lemon flavor that blends into the pudding layer.

🍋 Whipped Topping – Spread on top for a creamy finish that balances the cake.

🍋 Optional Garnish – Thin lemon slices or extra zest add a simple finishing touch and make it look even better.
Limoncello Cake with 2 forks

✨ Helpful Kitchen Tools for this Recipe

9×13 Baking Dish
Mixing Bowl
Citrus Zester

How to Make this Limoncello Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix Ingredients. Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding in the lemon cake mix, eggs, water, and canola oil. Toss in the lemon zest, then mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.

Step 2: Bake. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven at 350°F. Let it bake for about 22–24 minutes, or until it’s fully set and ready to go.

Step 3: Poke the Cake. Once it’s out of the oven and still a little warm, take the end of a wooden spoon (or anything similar) and start poking holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy here—this is what makes it a poke cake!

how to make a limoncello poke cake step by step

Step 4: Make the Filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, instant pudding mix, and limoncello. Keep whisking until it starts to thicken up.

Step 5: Add the Pudding Layer. Pour that pudding mixture right over the cake, making sure it spreads out and sinks into all those holes you just made.

Step 6: Add Topping. Now go ahead and spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. This is where it starts to come together.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve. Finish it off with a few lemon slices or a little extra zest if you like. Slice it up and serve, or chill it in the fridge until you’re ready.

Additions & Substitutions

  • You can skip the limoncello and replace it with lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version. Or just use 2 cups of milk for the pudding layer.
  • Try using vanilla pudding instead of lemon for a slightly different flavor.
  • Add fresh berries on top for extra color and variety.
  • Swap whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if you prefer.

Looking for more easy lemon dessert recipes? Check out my:

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limoncello poke cake collage

Easy Limoncello Poke Cake

This Easy Limoncello Poke Cake is a simple dessert with a bright lemon twist and a creamy pudding layer. It’s one of those limoncello recipes that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 13.25 oz. lemon cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 3.4 oz. box instant pudding
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • ¼ cup limoncello liqueur
  • 1 8 oz. tub whipped topping

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and lemon zest until smooth.
  3. Bake for 22–24 minutes.
  4. Poke holes in the warm cake.
  5. Whisk pudding, milk, and limoncello until thick.
  6. Spread pudding over cake.
  7. Top with whipped topping.
  8. Garnish, slice, and serve.

Notes

The limoncello is not baked out so keep this cake for the 21+ adults. 
You can make the lemon pudding without the limoncello for a non-alcoholic version, just use 2 cups of milk.