Zesty Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe: A Sweet & Fizzy Delight

Sweet summer memories flood back when you whip up this delightful orange crush poke cake that bursts with citrusy brightness.

Memories of childhood picnics dance through each vibrant slice.

Refreshing and light, this dessert brings pure joy to any gathering.

Zesty orange soda creates magical moisture throughout the tender cake layers.

Creamy frosting adds smooth richness that perfectly complements the tangy fruit notes.

Guests will marvel at the unexpected blend of flavors and textures.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular treat that promises to become your new favorite dessert.

Orange Crush Cake Serving Companions

• Zesty Orange Beverage Companion: Pair this vibrant cake with chilled orange-infused iced tea for a refreshing citrus explosion that amplifies the cake's bright flavors.
• Creamy Complement: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to balance the cake's tangy orange notes and provide a smooth, cool contrast to the dessert's texture.
• Sparkling Citrus Sidekick: Enjoy with a glass of chilled prosecco or champagne, which will enhance the cake's effervescent orange undertones and add a celebratory touch.
• Fruity Drink Match: Sip on a light mandarin orange smoothie that echoes the cake's citrusy profile and provides a fresh, palate-cleansing accompaniment.

Fresh Orange Crush Poke Cake Variations

• Gluten-Free Citrus Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Sugar Orange Dream: Substitute regular cake mix with sugar-free cake mix and use diet orange soda instead of regular soda to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Sunshine Treat: Use coconut whipped topping instead of traditional whipped cream and verify all ingredients are dairy-free compatible.
• Vegan Zesty Version: Replace egg whites with applesauce or flax egg, use vegan cake mix, and select plant-based whipped topping for a completely animal-product-free dessert.

FAQs

• Is orange soda necessary for this recipe?

Yes, it adds extra orange flavor and helps create a moist, vibrant cake with tangy sweetness.

• Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

While orange works best, you could experiment with lemon or strawberry gelatin for a similar poke cake technique.

• Do I need an electric mixer to make this cake?

An electric mixer helps blend ingredients smoothly, but you can use a whisk and mix by hand if needed. Just ensure ingredients are well combined.

• What if I don't have orange sprinkles?

You can substitute with other orange or citrus-colored sprinkles, or skip them entirely without affecting the cake’s taste and texture.

Why Orange Crush Poke Cake Is So Fun

• Boost Flavor Explosion: Unique orange soda and gelatin combination creates an unexpected, vibrant taste that makes this dessert stand out from traditional cakes.
• Simplify Baking Process: Super easy recipe requiring minimal ingredients and basic mixing skills, perfect for novice bakers or busy home cooks wanting a quick dessert solution.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Bright, cheerful orange color and sweet flavor make this cake a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple variations like switching soda flavors or adding different sprinkles, making it adaptable to personal preferences and creative twists.

Orange Crush Poke Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• White Cake Mix: Perfect base for the citrusy dessert.
• Water: Helps blend cake ingredients smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake.
• Egg Whites: Provides structure and lightness.

• Orange Gelatin Powder: Adds vibrant orange flavor.
• Orange Soda: Enhances the citrus profile.
• Water: Used for dissolving gelatin.

• Whipped Topping: Creamy and light finishing layer.
• Orange Sprinkles: Decorative and fun touch.

Making Orange Crush Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites using an electric mixer. Start at low speed and gradually increase to create a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean and dry.

Step 4: Let the Cake Rest

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. Patience is key to preventing a soggy texture.

Step 5: Prepare Zesty Gelatin Mixture

Bring water to a rolling boil. Dissolve orange gelatin powder completely in the hot water. Gently stir in cold orange soda to create a vibrant, citrusy liquid.

Step 6: Poke and Soak

Use a fork or skewer to create a grid of holes across the cake surface, spacing them about ½ inch apart. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.

Step 7: Add Creamy Topping

Once the cake has absorbed the gelatin, spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the entire surface. Use a spatula to create smooth, even coverage.

Step 8: Chill and Decorate

Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours to set and enhance the flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle orange-colored decorative sprinkles on top for a festive touch.

Baking Tips for Orange Crush Poke Cake

• Perfect Poking Technique: Create uniform holes across the cake's surface using a fork or skewer to ensure even gelatin absorption and maximum flavor distribution.
• Gelatin Mix Mastery: Use boiling water first to fully dissolve the orange gelatin powder, then add cold orange soda for a bright, vibrant flavor profile that enhances the cake's taste.
• Temperature Control: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding gelatin to prevent soggy texture and ensure clean, distinct cake layers.
• Whipped Topping Trick: Spread the whipped topping gently to avoid tearing the cake's surface, creating a smooth, elegant finish that looks professionally prepared.
• Orange Zest Boost: Optional garnish with fresh orange zest or candied orange peel can elevate the cake's citrus notes and add a gourmet touch to this simple dessert.

How To Save Orange Crush Poke Cake For Later

• Store the Orange Crush Poke Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for no more than 2 hours due to whipped topping and gelatin ingredients.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's moisture and texture.

Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Orange Crush Poke Cake brings zesty citrus magic to classic dessert traditions. Creamy, tangy layers promise a delightful escape that tempts you to savor each refreshing, sunshine-inspired bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) water

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold orange soda
• 3.5 ounces (100 g) orange gelatin mix
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) boiling water

Topping:

• 12 ounces (340 g) whipped topping
• Orange sprinkles (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking vessel with non-stick culinary spray, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Merge cake mix, water, culinary oil, and egg whites in a spacious mixing bowl, using an electric blender to create a smooth, harmonious batter without lumps.
3. Transfer the velvety mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and place inside the heated oven for 25-30 minutes until a slender probe emerges pristine when inserted.
4. Extract the golden confection and allow natural temperature reduction within the baking receptacle.
5. Generate a vibrant orange gelatin elixir by introducing boiling water, whisking until complete dissolution, then incorporate chilled citrus soda for enhanced flavor complexity.
6. Perforate the tranquil cake surface systematically with a fork, creating a landscape of interconnected channels at half-inch intervals to facilitate liquid absorption.
7. Cascade the luminous orange gelatin across the perforated terrain, ensuring comprehensive coverage and deep penetration into the cake’s inner landscape.
8. Permit the infused creation to rest and stabilize for approximately one hour, allowing flavor integration.
9. Delicately layer billowy whipped topping across the surface, creating a cloud-like blanket.
10. Refrigerate the transformed dessert for several hours to solidify its magical essence, then garnish with playful orange sprinkles moments before presentation.

Notes

• Customize cake mix by using gluten-free or sugar-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Ensure holes are evenly spaced when poking cake to allow gelatin to distribute consistently throughout dessert.
• Prevent cake from sticking by using parchment paper alongside non-stick spray for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
• Add extra zest by incorporating fresh orange zest into whipped topping for more intense citrus flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg