This Orange Crush Poke Cake is a fun and refreshing dessert that combines the bright citrus flavor of orange soda with a moist, fluffy white cake. Infused with orange gelatin and topped with creamy whipped topping, this cake is perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or any time you crave a nostalgic, creamsicle-like treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light & Refreshing – A citrusy twist on classic poke cake.
- Easy to Make – Uses a simple boxed cake mix and a handful of ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for BBQs, birthdays, and potlucks.
- Creamy & Moist – The gelatin filling keeps the cake soft and flavorful.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 egg whites
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
For the Orange Filling:
- ¾ cup orange soda (cold)
- 3.5 ounces orange gelatin mix
- ¾ cup boiling water
For the Topping:
- 12 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Orange sprinkles (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Prepare Cake Batter – In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites using an electric mixer on low speed until combined.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake according to package instructions (25-30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool – Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Orange Filling
- Dissolve Gelatin – In a medium saucepan, bring ¾ cup water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the orange gelatin powder until dissolved.
- Add Orange Soda – Stir in ¾ cup cold orange soda.
- Poke Holes in Cake – Use a fork, skewer, or wooden spoon handle to poke holes evenly across the cooled cake, about ½ inch apart.
- Pour Gelatin Over Cake – Slowly pour the dissolved orange gelatin mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Chill – Let the cake cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 3: Add Topping & Serve
- Spread Whipped Topping – Evenly spread Cool Whip over the chilled cake.
- Garnish – Sprinkle with orange jimmies or sprinkles for decoration.
- Serve & Enjoy – Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
- Orange Creamsicle Flavor – Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cake batter for a creamsicle-like taste.
- Lighter Version – Use sugar-free orange gelatin and diet orange soda.
- Cupcake Version – Bake in muffin tins and poke smaller holes before adding the gelatin.
- Extra Citrus Punch – Fold orange zest into the whipped topping.
- Make it a Layer Cake – Bake in two round pans and layer with whipped topping between.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating – Serve chilled; no reheating necessary.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! A vanilla or yellow cake mix will work well for a slightly different flavor.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of soda?
Orange soda gives the best flavor and carbonation effect, but fresh juice can work in a pinch.
How do I make this recipe sugar-free?
Use sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free whipped topping, and diet orange soda for a lower-calorie version.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter can be substituted for a richer flavor.
Can I add fruit to the topping?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarin orange slices make a beautiful garnish.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
Use the back of a wooden spoon for larger holes or a fork for smaller ones.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes! The whipped topping and gelatin require refrigeration.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this cake tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, but stabilize it with powdered sugar or gelatin so it holds up better.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Yes! Bake for 18-20 minutes, poke holes, and fill each with a small amount of orange gelatin before topping with whipped cream.
Conclusion
This Orange Crush Poke Cake is a bright, citrusy, and ultra-moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fun, nostalgic flavors and easy preparation, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a slice of orange-infused sweetness!
Print
Oranges Crush Poke Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Crush Poke Cake is a refreshing and easy dessert that’s bursting with citrus flavor! Made with a fluffy white cake soaked in orange soda and orange gelatin, then topped with creamy whipped topping and sprinkles, this cake is light, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Whether for a summer BBQ, birthday party, or potluck, this poke cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Filling:
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 3.5 ounces orange gelatin mix (Jell-O)
- 3/4 cup cold orange soda (Orange Crush)
Topping:
- 12 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Orange sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites. Mix with an electric mixer on low speed until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake according to package instructions (about 25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a medium pot, bring ¾ cup water to a boil.
- Stir in the orange gelatin mix until fully dissolved.
- Add ¾ cup cold Orange Crush soda and mix well.
Step 3: Poke and Fill the Cake
- Using a fork, skewer, or meat fork, poke holes all over the cake, about ½ inch apart.
- Slowly pour the orange gelatin mixture evenly over the cake.
- Let the cake cool for about 1 hour.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Chill
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the cake.
- Sprinkle with orange sprinkles for decoration.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can use diet orange soda and sugar-free gelatin for a lighter version.
- For Cupcakes: Follow the same recipe, but divide batter into lined cupcake tins and reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes.
- Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
