Description
This easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is a wonderful addition to all your summer parties! A lovely vanilla cake bursting with orange flavor, topped with a fluffy orange and vanilla frosting that no one will be able to resist.
Ingredients
15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
3 eggs, room temperature
1 cup milk or vanilla almond milk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange zest
3.4 ounces orange JELLO
1 ¼ cup boiling water
⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
15 ounces can mandarin oranges (do not drain)
3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions for a 9 x 13 inch pan, substituting milk or vanilla almond milk for water and adding the orange zest.
- Bake as directed. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.
- Use a skewer to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake.
- In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the orange JELLO in boiling water, whisking until completely dissolved.
- Stir in fresh orange juice.
- Slowly and carefully pour the JELLO mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- For the frosting, beat together mandarins and pudding mix until combined.
- Gently fold in Cool Whip or whipped cream until incorporated.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh orange segments instead of canned mandarins for a fresher taste.
Substitute the orange JELLO with sugar-free or gelatin-free options.
Add a drizzle of white chocolate over the frosting for extra indulgence.
Try a cream cheese-based frosting for a tangier finish.
Use lemon zest alongside orange for a citrus twist.
