Orange Crush Poke Cake

Orange Crush Poke Cake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy flavor of Orange Crush soda with a light and fluffy cake, all topped with whipped cream and orange-flavored pudding. This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a fun and flavorful treat!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 cup Orange Crush soda (or any orange soda)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 ¼ cups cold milk
• 1 (3.4 oz) box orange gelatin (Jell-O or similar brand)
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional for extra orange flavor)
• Orange slices or sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon orange extract for an extra boost of orange flavor
• 1 cup mandarin oranges for texture and decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the white or vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions, but substitute 1 cup of Orange Crush soda for the water.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package directions, typically 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Orange Gelatin Mixture

1. While the cake is cooling, in a medium bowl, whisk together the orange gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
2. Stir in ½ cup cold water to cool down the gelatin mixture.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke holes all over the cake, making sure the holes reach down to the bottom of the cake.
2. Slowly pour the prepared orange gelatin over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
3. Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the gelatin to set.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully thicken.
2. Spread the vanilla pudding evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping

1. Once the pudding layer is set, spread the whipped topping over the top of the cake in an even layer.
2. If desired, stir in orange zest to the whipped topping before spreading for extra orange flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the cake with orange slices, sprinkles, or additional orange zest for a decorative touch.
2. Chill the cake for an additional 1-2 hours before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Notes

• Cake Mix: You can use either white or vanilla cake mix, but the white cake mix allows the orange flavor to stand out more.
• Gelatin: If you prefer a more subtle orange flavor, you can reduce the amount of orange gelatin or use half the packet.

Variations

1. Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Use vanilla pudding as the filling and mix orange extract into the cake batter for a flavor similar to an orange creamsicle.

2. Mandarin Orange Poke Cake

Add mandarin orange slices to the top of the cake or between layers for added texture and a burst of citrus flavor.

3. Orange Crush and Cream Cheese Poke Cake

For a richer cake, mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese into the pudding layer before spreading it on the cake.

4. Orange Soda Poke Cake with Chocolate

Add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped topping for a chocolate-orange flavor combination.

5. Orange Crush Cake with Orange Sherbet Topping

Serve the cake with a scoop of orange sherbet or top it with a drizzle of orange syrup for extra orange flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Orange Crush Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better when made ahead. You can make it up to 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake may become even more moist as it sits, thanks to the gelatin.

Q: Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Yes! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the orange gelatin with other fruit-flavored gelatins like lemon or strawberry for a twist on the original recipe.

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes! If you prefer, you can make your own whipped cream by whipping 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
It’s not recommended to freeze this cake, as the gelatin and whipped topping may not hold up well after thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh from the refrigerator.

This Orange Crush Poke Cake is a refreshing, citrusy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of a fluffy orange soda-infused cake, vibrant orange gelatin, and creamy pudding makes it a show-stopping treat that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether for a summer party or a family gathering, this poke cake is sure to impress!