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Easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

A square slice of Creamsicle Cake featuring layers of light sponge, white cream, and bright orange gelatin topping.

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Make this simple poke cake to capture the nostalgic flavor of orange and vanilla cream. This dessert is moist, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
  • Ingredients called for on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin (Jello)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold orange juice
  • 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (or Cool Whip)
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  2. Poke the cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
  3. Prepare the gelatin soak: In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin completely in the boiling water. Stir in the cold orange juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing the liquid to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is set.
  4. Make the vanilla cream topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and orange zest (if using) until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until just combined.
  5. Frost and serve: Spread the vanilla cream topping evenly over the chilled, set cake. Return the cake to the refrigerator until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy this refreshing citrus cream cake.

Notes

  • For a brighter orange flavor, use fresh orange zest in both the gelatin soak and the cream topping.
  • You can substitute the orange gelatin with a sugar-free version if you prefer a lower sugar dessert.
  • This cake is best served cold, making it an excellent make ahead summer dessert.

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