Orange Crush Poke Cake is a refreshing, citrusy dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This vibrant cake starts with a light and fluffy orange cake base, soaked with Orange Crush soda for an extra burst of flavor. Topped with whipped cream and orange zest, it’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a bright, zesty treat.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) white or orange cake mix
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling
- 1 cup (240 ml) Orange Crush soda
- 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) orange gelatin mix
For the Topping
- 1 container (8 oz / 225 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded coconut (optional)
- Orange zest (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions, using a white or orange cake mix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake as directed on the box, typically 25-30 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Orange Crush soda and orange gelatin mix until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or until completely chilled.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Once the cake is chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut and orange zest on top, if desired, for extra flavor and texture.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Soda options: While Orange Crush is ideal for this recipe, you can use any orange soda you prefer.
- Make-ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of a fluffy cake, sweet orange gelatin, and whipped topping creates a dessert that’s both light and flavorful. The soda adds a fizzy citrus kick, making this poke cake uniquely refreshing and fun to eat.
Conclusion
Orange Crush Poke Cake is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bright citrus flavor and creamy topping make it a standout treat that’s both easy to make and delightful to share. Try it today for a sweet, zesty slice of sunshine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Orange Crush Poke Cake ahead of time, and if so, how far in advance?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the entire cake, including the filling and topping, up to one day in advance. Store it, covered, in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, I recommend adding the whipped topping and garnishes just before serving, but it can be done the day before as well. The cake will stay delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly.
Are there any acceptable substitutions for the Orange Crush soda or orange gelatin?
Absolutely! While Orange Crush is the star, you can substitute it with any orange-flavored soda you enjoy; the flavor will vary slightly. For the orange gelatin, you could potentially use a different flavor of gelatin, like lemon or pineapple, but it will change the overall flavor profile significantly. If you don’t have orange gelatin, you can try using a slightly smaller amount of unflavored gelatin, mixed with orange juice, but the texture might be different.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked and ready for the Orange Crush filling?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Visually, the cake should be golden brown and pulling away slightly from the sides of the baking dish. The top should spring back lightly when touched. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a dry cake.
Can I double or triple this Orange Crush Poke Cake recipe to feed a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe! For a doubled recipe, use a 9×13 inch pan and a second 9×13 inch pan, or a larger baking dish. Increase the baking time by approximately 5-10 minutes, but always check for doneness with a toothpick. For a tripled recipe, you’ll need to use multiple baking dishes and adjust the baking time accordingly. Ensure your oven can accommodate the additional pans and that the cake batter is distributed evenly.
What are the nutritional highlights of the Orange Crush Poke Cake, and are there any healthier alternatives?
This cake is primarily a treat, so it’s not a health food. The main ingredients provide carbohydrates from the cake and sugar from the soda and whipped topping. The orange gelatin contributes a small amount of protein. You can make it slightly healthier by using a sugar-free cake mix, a sugar-free whipped topping, and reducing the amount of soda used. Consider adding fresh fruit as a garnish instead of coconut to increase the vitamin content.
Orange Crush Poke Cake
A deliciously moist cake infused with orange flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 box orange cake mix
- 1 cup orange soda Use freshly opened for best results
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix with orange soda until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
For extra flavor, top the cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
