Sweet Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe: A Fun Citrus Treat

Sweet summer memories dance through every slice of this orange crush poke cake that bursts with bright, tangy flavor.

Creamy and moist, the dessert invites you to indulge in a nostalgic treat that goes beyond ordinary cakes.

Vibrant orange soda infuses each bite with a playful twist, creating a dessert that sparks joy from the first forkful.

The simple technique of poking holes throughout the cake allows the zesty orange mixture to seep deep into the tender crumb.

Layers of softness and citrusy punch make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Light, refreshing, and utterly irresistible, this orange crush poke cake promises to become your new favorite summer dessert.

Grab a plate and get ready to experience a delightful culinary adventure that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions for Orange Crush Poke Cake

• Cake Foundation

Prepare a white cake mix and pour the batter into a rectangular baking dish. Bake the cake until it reaches a perfect golden color and passes the toothpick test.

• Cooling Moment

Let the freshly baked cake rest and cool completely inside the pan. This allows the cake to settle and creates a smooth surface for the next delicious steps.

• Poking Adventure

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to create multiple small holes across the entire cake surface. These little tunnels will help absorb the vibrant orange flavor.

• Citrus Splash

Open a can of orange crush soda and slowly pour it over the cake, ensuring the liquid seeps into every single hole. Watch as the cake transforms and becomes wonderfully moist.

• Chilling Transformation

Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it rest for several hours. This allows the orange soda to deeply penetrate the cake, creating a refreshing and juicy dessert.

• Creamy Topping

Spread a layer of whipped cream over the entire cake surface. For extra zest, sprinkle some orange zest on top to enhance the citrusy flavor.

• Final Chill

Return the cake to the refrigerator for another hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and creates a cool, delightful dessert perfect for any gathering.

Creative Twists for Orange Crush Poke Cake

• Orange Zest Boost: Enhance the citrus flavor by adding fresh orange zest directly into the cake batter for an extra burst of bright, tangy notes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake a day before serving to allow the orange gelatin to fully absorb into the cake, creating an even more intense and moist dessert.
• Whipped Cream Wonder: Top the cake with homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought for a lighter, fresher finish that complements the orange flavor perfectly.
• Garnish Glamour: Decorate with candied orange slices or fresh orange segments to add a professional touch and extra citrusy crunch to your dessert presentation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free alternative to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on delicious taste.

Serving Ideas for Orange Crush Poke Cake

• Zesty Citrus Slice Party: Serve individual cake slices on small dessert plates with a fresh orange wedge for a bright, colorful presentation.
• Refreshing Summer Treat: Chill the cake thoroughly and top with whipped cream and candied orange peel just before serving to enhance its cool, tangy flavor profile.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Complement the cake with a tall glass of orange-infused iced tea or a sparkling orange soda to amplify the citrusy notes and create a cohesive dessert experience.
• Picnic-Ready Dessert: Cut into portable squares and pack in a container for outdoor gatherings, making it an easy and delightful treat to share with friends and family.

Orange Crush Poke Cake: Storage Advice

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the cake rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and prevent potential structural collapse.
• Refrigeration Technique: Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its moisture and vibrant orange flavor.
• Freezing Magic: Slice the cake into individual portions, place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze for maximum 2 months – perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Serving Smart: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing its texture and allowing the orange flavors to bloom at room temperature.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 13

Orange Crush Poke Cake Ingredient Line-Up

• White Cake Mix: Perfect foundation that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose a reliable brand for consistent texture.
• Egg Whites: Creates airy, cloud-like structure without darkening the cake's pristine appearance.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures supreme moisture and tender crumb, select a neutral-tasting oil.
• Water: Activates cake mix ingredients, use filtered water for purest taste.
• Cold Orange Soda: Introduces vibrant citrus essence and unexpected tangy twist to traditional cake.

• Orange Gelatin Mix: Delivers intense orange color and zesty flavor, select high-quality brand for robust taste.
• Boiling Water: Helps gelatin dissolve completely, ensuring smooth and even distribution.

• Whipped Topping: Provides light, dreamy crown with silky smooth texture, choose stabilized version for better hold.
• Orange Sprinkles: Adds playful crunch and visual pop, select bright, fresh-looking jimmies for maximum excitement.

Tools for Making Orange Crush Poke Cake

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for baking and serving the cake.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing cake batter and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps blend cake ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: To check cake doneness by inserting into the center.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing and spreading cake mixture.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.

Creamy Orange Crush Poke Cake

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade orange crush poke cake delivers zesty citrus excitement with moist layers soaked in tangy soda. Creamy whipped topping and orange segments complete this delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3.5 oz (100 g) orange gelatin mix
• 1 box white cake mix
• ¾ cup (180 ml) cold orange soda
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• ¾ cup (180 ml) boiling water
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 12 oz (340 g) whipped topping
• Orange sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to specified temperature and coat rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Batter Creation: Combine dry and wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
3. Baking Process: Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing surface with spatula and baking until golden-brown and a skewer emerges clean.
4. Initial Cooling: Allow cake to rest in pan for 10-15 minutes, stabilizing internal temperature and structural integrity.
5. Gelatin Infusion: While cake remains warm, puncture surface with wooden spoon handle to create evenly distributed holes, then gently pour orange-flavored gelatin, ensuring complete penetration.
6. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours, enabling gelatin to set and permeate cake with citrus essence.
7. Topping Application: Whip cream mixture until achieving light, airy consistency, then spread uniformly across chilled cake surface.
8. Final Presentation: Optionally garnish with citrus zest or mandarin segments, then return to refrigerator for additional hour to enhance flavor melding and stabilize whipped topping.

Notes

• Prep Pan Precisely: Coat baking dish thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter to prevent cake sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Mixing Mastery: Blend ingredients gently but completely, avoiding overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture and prevent toughness.
• Gelatin Technique: Create uniform holes using wooden spoon handle to help gelatin penetrate evenly, maximizing flavor absorption throughout cake.
• Chilling Strategy: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to let gelatin set and flavors meld, ensuring optimal taste and texture before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg