The Zesty Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet summer memories flood back when I taste this zesty orange crush poke cake that bursts with nostalgic flavor.

Childhood celebrations always featured something magical from the dessert table.

Vibrant orange syrup cascades through tender cake layers, creating unexpected pockets of tangy delight.

Citrus notes dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Dense cake absorbs the bright orange soda, turning an ordinary recipe into something extraordinary.

Creamy frosting adds a smooth counterpoint to the cake’s playful texture.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice of this crowd-pleasing treat.

What’s Special About Orange Crush Poke Cake

• Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up this vibrant orange-flavored cake with minimal baking skills required, perfect for novice bakers wanting a delightful treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Sensation: Deliver a stunning dessert that looks impressive and tastes amazing, guaranteed to wow friends and family at gatherings or potlucks.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Create a playful, colorful dessert that kids will love, featuring a fun orange crush twist that transforms a simple cake into an exciting culinary experience.
• Versatile Celebration Dessert: Adaptable for birthdays, potlucks, picnics, or casual weekend treats, this cake offers a refreshing and simple solution for any sweet craving without complex preparation.

Orange Crush Poke Cake Ingredient List

• Yellow Cake Mix: A classic pantry staple for quick and easy cake baking.
• Water: Essential liquid for cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake.
• Egg Whites: Provides structure and lightness to the cake.

• Orange Jello Mix: Bright and flavorful gelatin dessert mix.
• Orange Soda: Adds extra citrusy sweetness and moisture.
• Water: Used to dissolve the gelatin mix.

• Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy cream topping.
• Orange Sprinkles: Colorful and festive cake decoration.

How To Bake Orange Crush Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Water
• Oil
• Egg whites

Whip these together using an electric mixer on low speed until everything blends smoothly.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Base

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Once baked, pull the cake out and let it cool right in the pan.

Step 4: Create the Zesty Orange Filling

In a medium pot, bring water to a rolling boil.

Stir in the orange Jello mix until completely dissolved.

Pour in cold orange soda and mix well.

Step 5: Poke and Soak

Using a fork or wooden skewer, create small holes across the entire cake surface, spacing them about half an inch apart.

This will help the filling seep into every delicious corner.

Step 6: Drench in Orange Goodness

Carefully pour the orange Jello mixture over the cake, making sure it fills all the little holes.

Let the cake cool completely for about an hour.

Step 7: Top and Chill

Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cake.

Pop it in the refrigerator and let it chill for a couple of hours to set.

Step 8: Final Festive Touch

Before serving, sprinkle some orange-colored sprinkles on top for a burst of fun and color.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your vibrant Orange Crush Cake!

Tips For Orange Crush Poke Cake Success

• Generously spray the baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal and clean slicing.
• Use a fork or wooden skewer to make evenly spaced holes about 1/2 inch apart, allowing the gelatin to penetrate deeply and evenly throughout the cake.
• Mix the orange Jello with boiling water first, then add cold orange soda to create a vibrant, flavorful liquid that will soak into the cake completely.
• Let the cake cool and set in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the gelatin to fully absorb and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with different sprinkle colors or add fresh orange zest for an extra burst of citrusy flavor and visual appeal.

Reheat Orange Crush Poke Cake With Ease

• Store the Orange Crush Poke Cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Let the cake sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the whipped topping slightly.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• This cake is best served chilled, so avoid reheating. Enjoy directly from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Orange Crush Poke Cake Pairing Choices

• Elevate Citrus Sweetness: Pair this vibrant Orange Crush Poke Cake with a crisp prosecco or sparkling moscato to highlight its bright, zesty notes.
• Complementary Cream Balance: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a smooth contrast against the cake's tangy orange flavor profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Enjoy with chilled orange-infused iced tea or a light orange sherbet smoothie to enhance the dessert's citrusy essence.
• Texture Contrast Delight: Add a side of candied orange peel or orange-flavored shortbread cookies to introduce a delightful crunch and intensify the citrus experience.

Fun Twists For Orange Crush Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients like Jello and whipped topping are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut whipped cream instead of traditional whipped topping and check that all ingredients are dairy-free certified.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute sugar-free orange Jello mix and use a low-sugar cake mix to decrease overall sugar content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based egg replacer, vegan cake mix, dairy-free whipped topping made from coconut cream, and ensure orange soda is vegan-friendly.

FAQs

• What type of gelatin is used in this recipe?

The orange Jello gelatin mix is used to create the signature orange flavor and vibrant color of the poke cake.

• Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Yes, you can experiment with other Jello flavors like strawberry or lime to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll need a 9×13 baking pan, an electric mixer, a fork or wooden skewer for poking holes, and basic measuring tools.

• Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! This poke cake is very easy to make and requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers who want to create a delicious dessert.

Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Orange Crush Poke Cake brings zesty citrus magic to classic dessert lovers. Moist layers infused with tangy soda promise a refreshing slice of pure deliciousness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 3.5 ounces (100 g) orange Jello gelatin mix

Soda and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold orange soda
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) boiling water

Topping and Garnish:

• 12 ounces (340 g) whipped topping
• Orange sprinkles for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13 pan with non-stick spray.
2. Mix cake ingredients using an electric mixer on low speed until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
3. Transfer cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the center is fully cooked by testing with a toothpick.
4. Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan after removing from the oven.
5. Create the orange gelatin filling by boiling water and thoroughly dissolving the gelatin mix.
6. Incorporate cold orange soda into the dissolved gelatin mixture.
7. Use a fork or wooden skewer to puncture consistent holes across the cake’s surface, spacing them approximately half an inch apart.
8. Gently pour the orange gelatin mixture over the perforated cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
9. Let the cake rest and absorb the gelatin for one hour at room temperature.
10. Generously spread whipped topping across the entire cake surface.
11. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours to allow the topping to set and flavors to meld.
12. Before serving, garnish with vibrant orange sprinkles for a festive touch.

Notes

• Customize the cake mix by choosing a lighter, healthier version or gluten-free alternative for dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different citrus-flavored sodas like tangerine or mandarin for unique flavor variations.
• Use a sugar-free Jello mix and low-fat whipped topping to reduce overall calorie content.
• Enhance presentation by adding fresh orange zest or mandarin segments on top before serving for extra texture and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg