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This refreshing and easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake will bring back memories of that favorite summer frozen treat. It’s a perfect cake to celebrate summer, back to school or any occasion that calls for cake.

easy orange creamsicle poke cake image with text

Recipe has been updated with fresh images and more information for the reader – August 2023

If you’ve never had a poke cake, then you are missing out and if you’ve never had an orange creamsicle popsicle, I highly encourage you to do so. This easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is such a throwback to my childhood and even my kids’ childhoods. The cake is infused with orange gelatin and topped with the most creamy vanilla whipped topping ever. Oh goodness, just thinking about it makes me crave this cake again.

You can make Jello poke cakes with any flavor you like, but my favorite is orange and this lime one. The first time I made this cake was for my daughter’s birthday many years ago and it was such a hit that she asked for it three times that month. It’s that good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake
What is a Poke Cake?
Equipment
Ingredients
How to Make this Easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake
- Step 4
- Step 5
Tips, Tricks, and FAQs
Other Cakes to Enjoy:
Printable Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake Recipe

slice of orange cream poke cake in white plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The cake starts with a boxed cake mix – easy!
Quick and easy dessert for any occasion.
The flavors will remind you of the classic orange cream popsicle.

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake has so much flavor! Orange juice is added to the cake mix to give even more of the yummy orange flavor. Infusing the cake with orange Jello bumps up the flavor even more. Not done yet! The topping is made with Cool Whip and vanilla pudding. This delicious cake is moist, flavorful, and bursting with just the right amount of orange and vanilla.

Made with a few simple ingredients and kept chilled in the refrigerator until ready to eat, it’s the perfect dessert to cool down on a hot summer day!

What is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a cake that has been baked in a large pan, such as a 9×13 inch baking dish, then after the cake is cooled, it’s literally poked either with the back end of a wooden spoon, a wooden skewer, or the tines of a fork. After that, a liquid, like Jello or pudding, is poured over the top so that it can soak into the holes of the cake. Once the cake is chilled, top it off with a whipped cream frosting and chilled until serving. It’s such an easy cake recipe.

Equipment

Whisk or hand-held electric mixer
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
wooden skewer
13 x 9-inch baking pan

Ingredients

1 box of white cake mix, prepared with ingredients listed on the box EXCEPT use 1 cup orange juice in place of the water.
6-ounce box of orange Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
3.4-ounce box instant vanilla pudding
1 cup milk
8-ounce container of Cool Whip
zest of an orange

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How to Make this Easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13 x 9 baking pan with non-stick spray.

Step 2

Mix the cake mix according to the back of the box, except use orange juice in place of the water called for. Bake the cake according to the package directions. Remove from oven and poke holes all over the top with a fork or wooden skewer.

prepare cake mix using orange juice in place of water — Mix the cake ingredients

pour prepared cake batter into baking pan — Mix the cake ingredients

Step 3

Dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water. Let cool for 5 minutes. Spoon all of the gelatin over the top of the cake, making sure it goes in the holes. Chill cake for 1 hour before adding whipped topping.

dissolve jello in boiling water in bowl — orange Jello and boiling water in bowl

pour orange jello over cake into holes — orange Jello and boiling water in bowl

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Fold in the Cool Whip. Spread over the top of the cooled cake.

whisk the vanilla pudding with milk in bowl — Whisk the pudding mix and milk together

fold in cool whip with the pudding mixture in bowl — Whisk the pudding mix and milk together

Step 5

Sprinkle with orange zest. Chill for at least three hours before serving. Store the cake in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

To make this a little lighter: Use sugar-free jello and top with light Cool Whip.
Substitute the orange juice for orange soda
If desired, top the cake with mandarin orange slices.
Can you make jello cake ahead of time? Yes, you can. Up to 23 hours ahead but don’t add the whipped topping until you are ready to serve it.
Can I freeze a jello cake? Yes, and it’s best to freeze it after adding the jello and then let it chill for a few hours (do not add the whipped topping until ready to serve). To freeze: wrap in a layer of plastic wrap then a layer of foil. Place in the freezer for 1-3 months. When you are ready to serve the cake, put it in the fridge at least 24 hours in advance to thaw, then top it with whipped topping and enjoy.

Other Cakes to Enjoy:

orange creamsicle poke cake with slice on white plate

Printable Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake Recipe