Description
This Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is a light, moist vanilla cake infused with vibrant orange gelatin and topped with a fluffy orange-vanilla cream frosting. It’s the perfect chilled dessert for summer parties, potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
1 (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 (3.4 oz) package orange gelatin (JELL-O)
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1 (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions using the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Stir in the orange zest.
3. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the cake.
6. In a bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in the boiling water, then stir in the fresh orange juice.
7. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
9. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whipped topping, instant vanilla pudding mix, vanilla extract, and orange extract until smooth and fluffy.
10. Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
11. Garnish with additional orange zest or orange slices if desired.
12. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, prepare the cake one day in advance.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Fresh orange zest adds the brightest citrus flavor.
Serve well chilled for the classic creamsicle taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg