Pistachio Chocolate Lava Cakes
Bright, tangy, and effortlessly refreshing, this Lemon Poke Cake is a dessert that delivers sunshine in every slice. Moist yellow cake gets drenched in sweet-tart lemon curd and sweetened condensed milk, then topped with clouds of whipped cream and fresh garnishes. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for potlucks, picnics, or spring and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water per box instructions)
Filling
- 1 cup lemon curd store-bought or homemade
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon zest
- Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven and prepare the yellow cake according to the package directions using a 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Poke the Cake
- While still slightly warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon curd and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly.
Chill the Cake
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until fully chilled.
Make the Whipped Topping
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with lemon zest, berries, or mint. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Let cake chill fully so that flavors meld and texture becomes custardy.
- For extra lemon punch, stir 1 tbsp lemon zest into the whipped cream.
- Use low-fat whipping cream for a lighter topping.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Make-ahead tip: bake and poke the cake a day ahead, then pour curd and milk, refrigerate overnight, top with whipped cream just before serving.