Name: Orange Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; Egg whites, oil, and water (amounts as directed on the cake mix box); 3 ounce box orange Jell-O; 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk; 3/4 cup mandarin orange juice (reserved from the 15 ounce can); 3.4 ounce box French vanilla instant pudding mix; 1 cup whole milk; 8 ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip); 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained (juice reserved for soak)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 134 reviews

There is something irresistibly joyful about the Orange Poke Cake Recipe, a dessert that not only bursts with citrusy brightness but is also delightfully moist and creamy. Imagine a tender white cake infused with zesty orange Jell-O and soaked in a luscious blend of sweetened condensed milk and mandarin orange juice. Topped with a dreamy layer of French vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and juicy mandarin oranges, this cake feels like a celebration in every bite. Easy to make yet impressively flavorful, the Orange Poke Cake Recipe is the perfect treat to brighten any gathering or cozy moment at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: on the left, a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy white mixture with bright orange mandarin slices placed on top, smooth and thick in texture; on the right, a close-up of a white dish filled evenly with a mixed creamy layer that has small pieces of mandarin orange spread throughout, the surface looking soft and slightly textured. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the fluffy white cake base to the velvety topping sparkling with citrus, these essentials keep things simple yet special.

White cake mix: Acts as the soft, neutral canvas that soaks up all those bright orange flavors beautifully.
Egg whites, oil, and water: Used as per the cake mix instructions to create a light, fluffy batter.
Orange Jell-O (3 oz box): Adds a concentrated burst of orange flavor right into the batter for that vibrant citrus punch.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): The creamy soak that keeps the cake wonderfully moist and decadently sweet.
Mandarin orange juice (3/4 cup): Reserved from the canned mandarins, this juice blends with the condensed milk for an irresistible soak.
French vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz box): Provides a thick, creamy topping infused with vanilla warmth to complement the citrus notes.
Whole milk (1 cup): Mixed with the pudding to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
Whipped topping (8 oz tub): Lightens the pudding mixture to create a fluffy, airy finish.
Mandarin oranges (15 oz can, drained): Fresh bursts of citrus scattered throughout the topping for both sweetness and texture.
Nonstick cooking spray: Makes sure your cake slides right out of the baking dish without a hitch.

How to Make Orange Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cake Mix

Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray—using the kind with flour in it is particularly helpful for easy release. Then prepare your cake batter by following the box instructions for the white cake mix, replacing whole eggs with egg whites for a lighter texture, and stirring in the dry orange Jell-O powder for an extra citrus kick.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the bright orange-tinted batter into your prepared pan and bake according to the cake mix directions. The aroma of orange will start filling your kitchen, a delightful hint of what’s to come!

Step 3: Make the Soak Mixture

While the cake bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and reserved mandarin orange juice until smooth. This creamy liquid is what will soak into the cake, making it moist and bursting with citrus flavor.

Step 4: Poke the Cake and Add the Soak

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about five minutes. Then, use a chopstick or skewer to poke holes all over the surface—this is key for locking in moisture. Pour the soak slowly over the top, focusing on filling all the holes so every bite is juicy and sweet.

Step 5: Let the Cake Absorb the Soak

Allow the cake to cool fully at room temperature, giving it time to absorb the soak completely. This resting period ensures it’s perfectly tender and flavorful underneath the topping.

Step 6: Prepare the Pudding Topping

Whisk together the French vanilla instant pudding mix and whole milk in a large bowl. Don’t let it set just yet—then quickly fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no streaks. Stir in the drained mandarin oranges, breaking them into pieces to distribute evenly, adding bursts of texture and sweetness.

Step 7: Spread the Topping and Chill

Spread this luscious topping over the fully cooled cake. Cover the entire pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours. If you can wait even longer, like overnight, you’ll be rewarded with an even more flavorful and well-set cake.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

When it’s time to serve, slice the cake into generous pieces. For an extra special touch, consider adding a small slice of mandarin orange or a thin orange slice on top of each piece for a fresh, beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Orange Poke Cake Recipe

A square slice of bright orange cake with a soft and moist texture sits on a white speckled plate. The cake has one thick white creamy layer on top, which looks smooth and slightly swirled. On top of this creamy layer, there is a small orange wedge and a fresh green mint leaf for decoration. A second slice of the same cake is blurred in the background, and the surface underneath has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can elevate your Orange Poke Cake Recipe into a showstopper. Fresh mandarin orange slices or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest bring a bright, fresh aroma and pop of color that make the dessert even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside light sides like a crisp green salad or a tangy fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A glass of chilled sparkling water with a twist of orange or a mild herbal tea also pairs beautifully, cleansing the palate between each delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Transform your poke cake into individual parfaits by layering cake pieces, topping, and extra mandarin oranges in clear glasses. Or, plate slices atop a drizzle of citrus glaze or a spritz of whipped cream with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Orange Poke Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This not only preserves freshness but lets those flavors continue to meld for an even tastier treat as time goes on.

Freezing

While not ideal to freeze after adding the pudding topping due to texture changes, you can freeze the baked and soaked cake part alone for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then add the pudding topping fresh before serving for the best results.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating. However, if you prefer it slightly warmed, allow a single slice to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to soften the texture without losing that refreshing citrus coolness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarins?

Absolutely! Fresh mandarin segments will add an even brighter, natural flavor. Just peel carefully to remove the membrane for the best texture, and be sure to reserve some juice to use in the soak.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by selecting a gluten-free white cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities without losing any of the delicious orange goodness.

How long should I poke the holes in the cake?

The poking process only takes a couple of minutes but is essential. The holes allow the soak to penetrate deeply so every bite stays moist and flavorful, so be thorough to cover the entire surface evenly.

Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?

Definitely! In fact, letting the Orange Poke Cake Recipe chill overnight makes the flavors meld beautifully and the texture more luscious, giving you a dessert ready to impress with minimal effort on the day of serving.

What can I substitute for the orange Jell-O?

If you don’t have orange Jell-O, you can use a similar orange-flavored gelatin or even orange marmalade mixed into the batter, though Jell-O gives that perfect balance of flavor and consistent texture.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Poke Cake Recipe is truly one of those magical desserts that’s simple to make yet packed with layers of flavor and joy. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or treating yourself to a cozy moment, this cake never fails to brighten the day. Give it a try — I promise it will become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again!