Description
This orange creamsicle poke cake is a cool and creamy dessert that tastes just like the nostalgic frozen treat! A soft white cake is infused with sweet orange Jello and topped with a fluffy vanilla pudding whipped topping. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for summer parties, potlucks, or when you’re craving a citrusy-sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed on box)
- 1 box (3 oz) orange Jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional garnish: orange zest or mandarin orange slices
Instructions
- Bake the cake in a 9x13-inch pan according to the box instructions. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In a bowl, dissolve the orange Jello in boiling water. Stir in cold water. Pour evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the Jello to set.
- In another bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Fold in the whipped topping to make a light, creamy mixture.
- Spread the topping over the chilled cake. Garnish with orange zest or mandarin slices if desired.
- Chill for another hour or until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute yellow cake mix for white.
- Use sugar-free Jello and pudding for a lighter version.
- Stir a bit of orange zest into the pudding topping for even more citrus flavor.
- Best served chilled!
