Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

A simple white cake is enhanced with a citrus and cream flavor. This infusion is in the easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake. This easy, crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dessert is perfect for all your summer occasions.

You’ll love this poke cake if you love the flavor combination of orange creamsicle bars! Those nostalgic orange and vanilla cream flavors are paired deliciously in this dessert. The baked white cake is poked with holes and infused with a tasty mixture. The combination of orange jello and vanilla pudding creates a moist liquid that saturates the cake. The result is a zesty orange creamsicle flavor. When you slice the cake, the pretty design of the orange mixture is revealed.

The cake’s frosting is fluffy whipped topping. Slices of mandarin orange are nestled on top for a colorful and citrus garnish. It’s the perfect summertime dessert. Make it for potlucks, BBQs, parties, and more.

Ingredients Needed

A Box Of White Cake Mix, plus the ingredients the box calls for (water, oil, eggs).
Orange Gelatin – to create the orange-flavored liquid mixture.
Water – hot, to mix with the orange gelatin.
Box of Instant Vanilla Pudding – to help create the creamsicle liquid mixture.
Milk – Combine with the powdered pudding mix.
Container of Whipped Topping – for the frosting layer.
Mandarin Oranges – to decorate the top of the cake. Use canned (drained) or fresh.
Fresh Mint – for garnish (optional).

How To Make The Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Whisk together the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil the box calls for in a large bowl.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean.
Cool slightly.
Using a large straw or the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
Mix the boiling water and orange gelatin in a small bowl until dissolved.
Whisk the cold milk and vanilla pudding in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk the orange jello into the pudding mixture until well combined.
Pour the filling all over the cake, using a spoon to get it into all the holes.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
Garnish with mandarin oranges and mint.
Before slicing and serving refrigerate for at least one hour.

What Is A Poke Cake?

The essence of this dessert is to infuse a baked cake with a liquid mixture. This creates a moist and flavorful taste. Poking holes in the top of the cake allows the liquid mixture to penetrate the baked cake. Poke cakes are known for being easy to make. Try some of my other easy poke cakes: Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake. You might also like my Banana Pudding Poke Cake. Finally, check out my Flag Poke Cake for the Fourth Of July.

Best Way To Poke Holes In A Cake

Poke the baked and cooled cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw. Poke about 3/4 of the way through the cake. This leaves a thin layer at the bottom, which keeps the base of the cake from becoming soggy.

Can I Make This Cake Ahead?

This cake should be made ahead of time. It needs several cooling and setting sessions before it is ready to be served. Make it the night before. Alternatively, prepare it in the morning. This ensures it has adequate time to chill before slicing and serving.

Can I Use A Different Cake Mix?

This recipe uses a white or yellow cake mix since it will showcase the colorful gelatin and pudding mixture.

Can I Use A Different Topping?

Sure. You can use cream cheese. Set it out to soften before spreading on the top. You can use vanilla frosting, either store-bought or homemade.

Flavor Variations

Try other delicious ideas by swapping out the cake mix and jello flavors.

• Mix lemon cake with lemon (or lime) jello. Top with whipped topping and garnish with lemon zest.
• White cake mix with blueberry jello. Garnish with fresh blueberries on top of the whipped topping.
• Orange cake mix with pineapple jello. Garnish with pineapple tidbits and toasted coconut on top of the whipped topping.
• Strawberry cake mix with strawberry Jello. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries on top of the whipped topping.

Is This Cake Freezer-Friendly?

Yes. Make the cake, poke the holes, and pour over the creamsicle mixture. Do not add the whipped topping. Wrap the cake tightly for the freezer. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the whipped topping and garnish.

Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

More Easy Poke Cake Recipes

Ultimate Banana Pudding Poke Cake
St. Patrick’s Day Poke Cake
Flag Poke Cake Recipe
Peanut Butter Cup Poke Cake
Red Velvet Poke Cake
Cannoli Poke Cake
White Chocolate Peppermint Poke Cake