Orange Crush Poke Cake Recipe
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious Orange Crush Poke Cake recipe. We start with a white cake mix, orange Jello, and add a can of Orange Crush soda for extra orange flavor. Then top the cake with Cool Whip and orange sprinkles for the perfect summer dessert. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite and is perfect for any special occasion.
I have made this Orange Crush Poke Cake countless times, whether it’s for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because I crave something sweet and refreshing.
It’s become one of my staple recipes.
If you love this, you might also want to try my Lemon Poke Cake or the ever-popular Pineapple Upside-Down Cake that are equally delectable and crowd-pleasing.
Table of contents
- Why I Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How to Make Orange Crush Poke Cake
- Key to Success #1 – Use Orange Crush in the Jello Mixture
- Key to Success #2 – Put the Poke in the Poke Cake
- Key to Success #3 – Top with Cool Whip and Colorful Sprinkles
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations
- Handpicked Recipe Favorites From My Kitchen, Just For You!
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why I Love This Recipe
The moments spent making this Orange Crush Poke Cake are pure joy.
It’s simple enough not to be stressful, yet yields professional bakery-level results.
The bright orange color and the burst of citrus flavor are so uplifting.
Plus, the way it stays moist without getting soggy amazes me every time.
It’s the perfect dessert to brighten any occasion – or elevate an ordinary day!
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients list for the Orange Crush Poke Cake includes some familiar faces and a couple of twists.
- White cake mix: Forms the base of the cake, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
- Water: To mix into the cake batter.
- Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
- Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of aromatic sweetness.
- Orange Jello gelatin: The secret behind the cake’s vibrant hue and tangy flavor.
- Orange Crush soda: Enhances the citrus zing and makes the cake incredibly moist. You can substitute Sugar Free Crush Soda for a lighter version.
- Cool Whip whipped topping: For a light and fluffy finish. Freshly whipped cream can be substituted for the Cool Whip.
- Orange sprinkles (optional): For extra flair.
- Mandarin oranges (optional): For garnish during serving.
How to Make Orange Crush Poke Cake
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this vibrant and delicious cake:
- Preheat and prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare your baking dish by greasing it, ensuring your cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix the batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Mix well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for the time specified on the cake mix box or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke the cake:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
- Using a skewer or fork, poke holes evenly all over the cake.
- Prepare the Jello mixture:
- In a bowl, mix the orange Jello gelatin with boiling water until completely dissolved.
- Then, add the Orange Crush soda to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the Jello mixture:
- Slowly pour the Jello mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up.
- Top the cake:
- After the cake has chilled, spread a generous layer of Cool Whip over the top.
- Add orange sprinkles or garnish with mandarin oranges if desired.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Slice the cake and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your refreshing and zesty Orange Crush Poke Cake!
Following these steps will ensure your cake turns out perfect every time
Key to Success #1 – Use Orange Crush in the Jello Mixture
When you make an Orange Crush Poke Cake, start with a white cake mix that has been doctored up.
Combine the cake mix with water, oil, eggs, and vanilla then beat on medium speed for two minutes before baking.
This will create a delicious base for the poke cake that is both moist and flavorful.
Bake and cool then cake then it’s time to prepare the orange Jello mixture.
The Jello mixture takes only minutes to make.
Combine boiling water with orange Jello powder and stir until dissolved.
Next, add in the Orange Crush soda.
Stir this mixture together thoroughly so that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed when poured over the cake.
Key to Success #2 – Put the Poke in the Poke Cake
When making Orange Crush Poke Cake, use a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes in the cake.
Poke the holes in the cake after the cake is removed from the oven and while it is still warm.
The holes should be made by pushing the wooden spoon into the cake at an angle.
Make sure to get all the way down to create wells that will hold in the gelatin mixture.
Poking these holes allows for the gelatin mixture, which includes orange jello and orange soda, to soak into the cake and add flavor and moisture.
Additionally, using a wooden spoon instead of other utensils prevents any tearing or breaking of your perfectly cooked cake.
Creating these wells in your Orange Crush Poke Cake not only helps bring out its flavor but also makes it visually appealing when served.
As you cut a piece of this delicious dessert, you can see little bursts of color from where each hole was filled with Jello mixture.
This gives your treat a refreshing look.
Key to Success #3 – Top with Cool Whip and Colorful Sprinkles
When making an Orange Crush Poke Cake, one should always top it with Cool Whip and orange sprinkles.
This provides a creamy, sweet topping to cut through the tangy zing of the Orange Jello-Crush topping.
Not only does this combination look amazing when served, but it also creates a perfect balance of flavors that will be sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
In addition to using Cool Whip and orange sprinkles, another great topping for an Orange Crush Poke Cake is drained mandarin oranges.
These slices add a nice hit of sweetness that complements the citrus flavor in the cake and Jello mixture perfectly.
Draining them before adding them on top ensures that they won’t make the cake soggy.
It also allows you to arrange them in a decorative pattern for an extra special presentation.
When all is said and done, there are many fun toppings you can use to create your own unique take on this classic dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served chilled with a spoonful of Cool Whip on top.
Ideal for summer parties or a refreshing end to a heavier meal.
Serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a complete dessert experience.
Recipe Variations
For a fun twist, try using different flavors of Jello and soda.
Lime Jello with lemon-lime soda creates a tangy version, while cherry Jello with cherry soda makes for a sweet treat.
Experimenting with different flavors can give you a new favorite every time!
If you love poke cakes, try our Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake.
And if you like chocolate, try our Butterfinger Poke Cake.
Handpicked Recipe Favorites From My Kitchen, Just For You!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sodas. Lemon-lime soda or even a cream soda could provide an interesting twist to the classic recipe.
For the best results, let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This ensures that the Jello mixture properly sets and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. In fact, allowing the cake to refrigerate overnight can enhance its flavor.
No problem at all! Homemade whipped cream can be a delicious substitute. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks.
Definitely! The beauty of poke cakes is their versatility. You can use any flavor of Jello you like. Try strawberry Jello with a strawberry soda for a different fruity delight.
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Yes, adding fruit can add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Make sure to chop the fruit into small pieces so it distributes evenly through the batter.
Orange Crush Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 15 oz box white cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 3 oz pkg orange Jello gelatin
- 12 oz can orange Crush soda, cold
- 8 oz Cool Whip whipped topping
- orange sprinkles, optional
- 1 can mandarin oranges, for garnish, optional
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the white cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour cake batter into greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 26-32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and immediately poke holes in the cake using the end of a wooden spoon or a wooden skewer.
- In a medium bowl, combine the boiling water and Jello mix. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add in the Crush soda and stir well.
- Slowly pour the Jello mixture all over the top of the cake, making sure the mixture gets down in all the holes. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours.
- Spread Cool Whip on top of the cake. Add sprinkles, if desired. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with drained mandarin oranges at serving time.
Nutrition Facts
⭐ Leave a comment and rating below — it helps other readers!
👩🍳 Did you make any changes or substitutions?
I’d love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen.
📌 Save this recipe so you can make it again.
📧 Want more easy family dinners like this in your inbox?
Join my free Dinner Idea Box newsletter for simple family dinners every week.
This is delicious!! My first, I did the orange crush, very good. My second, I substituted orange with 7-up & lime jello, topped with thin lime slices. It was heavenly. I think I will try strawberry crush next topped with strawberries. I’m hooked!! Thank you for sharing!!!
We are making this with 2 rounds, and frosting layers with cream cheese frosting topping with orange zest and making pretty with a slice of mandarin orange for each piece. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Also using an orange supreme cake for one layer and white cake for other layer. I’ll try to take pics. Off we go……