Lemon Raspberry Poke Cake

This cake is a keeper for us! This cake does take a little time but it is well worth it. This is a great dessert to share on Valentine’s Day or any day as it’s sweet and tart and so fresh with the raspberry sauce. It was hard to not just grab a fork and dig in right from the pan. That really might happen sometimes at my house..don’t judge too harshly!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream, can use light
• 1 large lemon zested
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package instant lemon pudding (3.4 ounces)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 Oz)

THE RASPBERRY SAUCE

• 3- 6-ounce containers of fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

FOR THE TOPPING

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• zest of one lemon

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the eggs and oil are well incorporated and the batter is lighter in color. Just a couple of minutes. Scrape the bowl down as needed. Add in the sour cream and lemon zest beat again until combined.

in a separate bowl, combine the remaining dry ingredients. Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and beat on low speed while pouring in half of the buttermilk and mix until the flour starts to incorporate. Add the remaining dry ingredients mixing on low while adding the other half of the buttermilk beating until all ingredients are combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the bowl as needed.

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for 28-32 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. While the cake is cooling use a toothpick to poke holes all over the entire cake, not going all the way to the bottom. Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake and let it run down into all of the holes. This keeps the cake incredibly moist. Let the cake continue to cool completely.

FOR THE RASPBERRY SAUCE

Combine the raspberries, sugar, and flour in a medium-size pot. Gently crush the raspberries and add the lemon juice. Cook over medium heat while stirring until it starts to bubble slightly. Once the sauce is bubbling and thick remove it from the stove and allow the sauce to cool until it’s no longer steaming. Pour the raspberry sauce over the top of the cake spreading evenly. Refrigerate the cake until it has completely cooled.

FOR THE TOPPING

Beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed for several minutes until it starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread over the cake when the cake is completely cooled. Zest lemon over the top if desired.

Enjoy