An Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is the perfect blend of nostalgia and decadence, transforming a classic childhood treat into a delightful dessert. This cake starts with a light, fluffy vanilla base, then gets infused with a zesty orange gelatin mixture, allowing the citrusy sweetness to seep into every pore.

The cake is then topped with a creamy, dreamy whipped topping, mimicking the smooth texture and flavor of the original Creamsicle. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of orange zest or slices, adding a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that makes each bite irresistibly refreshing.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water (for the cake mix)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for the cake mix)
- 3 large eggs (for the cake mix)
Orange Gelatin:
- 1 package (3 oz) orange flavored gelatin mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water

Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange zest or thin orange slices, for garnish

Serves 12

Instructions for Making Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Poke and Soak: Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart. In a medium bowl, whisk together the boiling water and orange gelatin mix until fully dissolved, then stir in the cold water. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it gets into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.

Whip the Topping: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cake with orange zest or thin orange slices just before serving. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Follow Cake Mix Instructions Carefully: Ensure that you’re following the cake mix instructions precisely, especially concerning the oven temperature and baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer might help achieve the best results.

Evenly Spaced Holes: When poking holes in the cake, try to keep them evenly spaced and uniform in size. This ensures that the orange gelatin mixture is evenly distributed, allowing every bite to have that delightful orange flavor.

Cooling Time Is Crucial: Allowing the cake to cool completely before adding the gelatin is important. If the cake is too warm, the gelatin might run off the sides instead of soaking in, resulting in an unevenly flavored cake.

Gelatin Mixture Temperature: When preparing the gelatin, ensure it’s not too hot when pouring over the cooled cake. If it’s too warm, it can make the cake soggy. However, it should not start setting before you pour it; just cool enough not to affect the cake’s texture adversely.

Whipped Cream Topping: For the whipped cream topping, ensure that the heavy cream is cold to help it whip up better. Also, be careful not to overbeat, as it can quickly turn from whipped cream to butter.

Smooth Gelatin Layer: After pouring the gelatin over the cake and before it sets in the fridge, gently tap the pan on the counter. This helps the gelatin settle into the holes and creates a smoother layer.

Decorative Garnishes: When garnishing with orange zest or slices, consider adding them close to serving time. This keeps the garnishes fresh and vibrant, adding a beautiful contrast to the creamy topping.

Experiment with Flavors: While orange is classic for a Creamsicle flavor, don’t be afraid to experiment with other gelatin flavors, like lemon for a tangy twist or strawberry for a fruity burst. The base recipe is quite versatile.

Serving Suggestions

Individual Portions: For a fancier presentation, consider cutting the cake into individual squares before topping each with whipped cream and an orange slice. This makes for an elegant dessert at dinner parties.

With Fresh Berries: Serve slices of the cake with a side of fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, to add a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet and creamy cake.

Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet ice cream alongside the cake can enhance the creamsicle experience, adding a cold, creamy texture contrast.

Orange Drizzle: For an extra burst of orange flavor, consider making an orange glaze by mixing orange juice with powdered sugar and drizzle it over the whipped cream before serving.

Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate Promptly: Since this cake contains whipped cream and gelatin, it’s important to store it in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from absorbing odors from other foods.

Long-term Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake without the whipped cream topping. Wrap individual pieces tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and add the whipped cream topping fresh.

Avoid Freezing Whipped Cream: While the cake itself freezes well, the whipped cream topping does not. It’s best to add the whipped cream fresh whenever you’re ready to serve.

Shelf Life: In the refrigerator, the cake will keep for up to 3-4 days. If frozen (without the whipped cream), it can last up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free vanilla cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients, including the gelatin, are certified gluten-free.

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix? Absolutely. If you prefer, you can use your favorite homemade vanilla or white cake recipe as the base for this dessert. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the poking and soaking process.

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Prepare the cake and gelatin layer, and refrigerate. Add the whipped cream topping and garnishes closer to serving time.

Can I use something other than whipped cream for the topping? If you’re not a fan of whipped cream, a vanilla buttercream frosting or even a cream cheese frosting can work. For a lighter option, try a mix of whipped cream and Greek yogurt for tang.

Can I make this cake with other types of fruit? While orange is classic for achieving that creamsicle flavor, you can certainly experiment with other fruit flavors. Using different flavored gelatins, like raspberry or lime, and corresponding fruit garnishes, can create a variety of delightful desserts. Just ensure that the fruit and gelatin flavors complement each other well.

How do I ensure the gelatin sets properly within the cake? For the gelatin to set properly, make sure to refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours after pouring the gelatin over it. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you’re in a rush, placing the cake in the freezer for about 30 minutes to 1 hour can help expedite the setting process without freezing the cake.

Can I add alcohol to this recipe for an adult version? Yes, for an adult twist on this childhood favorite, you can add a small amount of orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, to the gelatin mixture. Keep the alcohol volume low to ensure the gelatin still sets properly. Remember to label the dessert appropriately to indicate it contains alcohol, especially if children will be present.

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

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An Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is the perfect blend of nostalgia and decadence, transforming a classic childhood treat into a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix
1 cup water for the cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil for the cake mix

3 large eggs for the cake mix

Orange Gelatin:

1 package 3 oz orange flavored gelatin mix
1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cold water

Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange zest or thin orange slices for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Poke and Soak: Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart. In a medium bowl, whisk together the boiling water and orange gelatin mix until fully dissolved, then stir in the cold water. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it gets into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the gelatin to set.
Whip the Topping: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the chilled cake.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cake with orange zest or thin orange slices just before serving. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.