The Best Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe for Zesty Sweetness

Sweet orange crush poke cake bursts with vibrant citrus excitement, upgradeing an ordinary dessert into a tangy tropical sensation.

Creamy layers infused with zesty brightness promise a delightful culinary adventure that tingles taste buds.

Unexpected textures merge as moist cake absorbs refreshing orange-flavored liquid, creating an irresistible treat that dances between soft and succulent.

Bright flavors weave through each slice, offering a playful twist on traditional dessert expectations.

Light and delectable, this cake represents pure summer joy captured within delicate crumb and luscious filling.

Home bakers seeking a simple yet impressive crowd-pleaser will adore this foolproof recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Strategic holes allow citrusy goodness to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite sparkles with intense orange essence.

Orange Crush Poke Cake with Tangy Citrus Syrup

• Transform Ordinary Cake: This Orange Crush Poke Cake turns a simple boxed cake mix into a vibrant, zesty dessert that bursts with citrusy flavor and unexpected excitement.
• Effortless Flavor Infusion: Poking holes throughout the cake and letting orange soda seep in creates magical moisture pockets that guarantee every bite is juicy and intensely tangy.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe offers a foolproof dessert option that's perfect for busy home bakers wanting maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Playful Family Treat: Kids and adults will love the bright orange color, fun texture, and refreshing taste that makes this cake a delightful crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or casual weekend desserts.

Ingredients for Orange Crush Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: Standard base for easy cake preparation, offering a neutral backdrop for orange flavors.
• Egg Whites: Provide structure and lightness to the cake without changing its color.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tender cake texture.
• Water: Essential liquid for mixing cake batter.

• Orange Soda, Orange Gelatin Mix: Deliver vibrant orange taste and create a juicy, zesty filling.
• Boiling Water: Helps dissolve gelatin mix completely for smooth distribution.

• Whipped Topping: Light, creamy covering that complements the citrusy cake.
• Orange Sprinkles: Adds playful color and festive visual appeal to the dessert.

Poke Cake Method for Orange Crush Flavor

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Base

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake according to package instructions, typically 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This prevents the cake from breaking when adding toppings.

Step 5: Create Poke Holes

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to create evenly spaced holes across the entire surface of the cooled cake. Poke holes about 1 inch apart to ensure the Orange Crush will distribute evenly.

Step 6: Drench with Orange Crush

Open a can of Orange Crush soda. Slowly pour the soda over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. The soda will add moisture and intense orange flavor.

Step 7: Chill the Cake

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour. This allows the soda to fully absorb and enhance the cake’s flavor.

Step 8: Prepare Topping

• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Orange zest

Spread the creamy topping evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle orange zest or add orange segments on top for extra decoration. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.

Tips for Moist Orange Crush Cake

• Poke with Precision: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to create evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface, ensuring consistent orange flavor distribution.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the orange gelatin to fully soak into the cake, creating a moist and intensely flavored dessert.
• Gelatin Pouring Technique: Pour the warm gelatin slowly and evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes for maximum orange flavor penetration.
• Whipped Cream Perfection: Whip the topping just before serving to maintain its light and fluffy texture, and spread it gently to avoid disturbing the gelatin-soaked cake underneath.
• Storage Sweet Spot: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and preventing the whipped topping from losing its texture.

Storage and Reheat Guide for Poke Cake

• Refrigerate: Store the Orange Crush Poke Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can be stored for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and moist texture.
• Thaw: Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. For quick serving, leave the cake at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying its citrusy goodness.

Beverage Pairings for Orange Poke Cake

• Elevate Citrus Beverage Pairing: Serve this vibrant orange cake alongside a chilled glass of sparkling blood orange soda or a crisp orange-infused iced tea for a refreshing complementary flavor experience.
• Creamy Contrast Companion: Pair the cake with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of tangy orange sherbet to balance the cake's sweetness and add a luxurious creamy texture.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Complement the cake's bright citrus notes with a glass of light, sweet Moscato d'Asti or a chilled orange muscat wine that echoes the cake's fruity essence.
• Breakfast Twist Suggestion: Transform this dessert into a morning treat by serving with a cold brew coffee topped with orange zest or a fresh orange juice to enhance the citrusy profile.

Creative Twists on Orange Poke Cake

• Citrus Zinger: Swap orange crush with tangy lemon-lime soda for a bright, refreshing flavor profile that adds a crisp, citrusy kick to the classic cake.
• Tropical Punch: Replace orange crush with pineapple soda and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a summery, island-inspired dessert that transports your taste buds.
• Berry Burst: Use strawberry soda instead of orange crush and top with fresh mixed berries for a vibrant, fruity version that brings extra color and natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Orange Fusion: Mix orange crush into a chocolate cake mix and drizzle with chocolate ganache for a decadent, rich dessert that combines classic flavor combinations.

Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Orange crush poke cake delivers a zesty citrus paradise on a plate. Moist vanilla cake infused with tangy orange soda creates a refreshing dessert you’ll crave after one delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 egg whites
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

Orange Flavor Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) cold orange soda
• 3.5 ounces (100 grams) orange gelatin mix
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) boiling water

Topping Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) whipped topping
• Orange sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray or light butter coating.
2. Mix the cake batter thoroughly, ensuring all dry and wet ingredients are well incorporated without overmixing.
3. Gently pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until the cake rises slightly and develops a golden-brown surface, checking doneness with a clean skewer or toothpick.
5. Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, allowing the internal temperature to stabilize.
6. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to create uniform, evenly spaced holes across the entire surface.
7. Carefully pour the orange-flavored gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring the liquid seeps into each created hole.
8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to set and infuse the cake with vibrant citrus flavor.
9. Prepare the whipped topping by whisking until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
10. Spread the whipped topping evenly across the chilled cake, covering the entire surface with a generous layer.
11. Optional: Garnish with orange zest or small mandarin segments for an additional burst of citrus presentation.
12. Chill the cake for an additional hour before serving to enhance flavor melding and topping stability.

Notes

• Cooling is crucial for achieving the perfect cake texture, so let the cake rest completely at room temperature before adding the next layers.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to poke deep, evenly spaced holes throughout the cake’s surface, ensuring orange crush mixture penetrates every delicious inch.
• Chill the cake for at least 2 hours after adding the orange crush topping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg