Orange Crush Poke Cake (Print Version)
Moist white cake with vibrant orange soda infusion and fluffy whipped topping garnished with mandarin segments.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Base
01 -
1 box white cake mix
02 -
⅓ cup vegetable oil
03 -
¾ cup water
04 -
3 large eggs
05 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Orange Gelatin Mixture
06 -
1 package (85 g) orange gelatin mix (Jell-O)
07 -
1 cup boiling water
08 -
355 ml Orange Crush soda (cold)
→ Topping and Garnish
09 -
1 tub (approximately 8 oz) Cool Whip original whipped topping
10 -
Orange sprinkles, for decoration
11 -
1 can (about 312 g) mandarin orange segments, drained
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and airy.
02 -
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 26 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden but not excessively browned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
03 -
Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes evenly across the entire warm cake. Ensure the holes penetrate deep into the cake to allow the gelatin mixture to absorb.
04 -
Dissolve the orange gelatin powder completely in 1 cup boiling water, stirring continuously. Once dissolved, stir in the cold Orange Crush soda slowly to combine.
05 -
Slowly pour the gelatin and soda mixture over the cake, focusing on filling the holes to ensure even absorption. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set and chill thoroughly.
06 -
Spread Cool Whip in a thick, even layer over the chilled cake. Sprinkle orange decorating sprinkles on top. Just before serving, arrange mandarin orange segments over the frosting for a fresh, juicy garnish.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved for even color and flavor throughout the cake. Chilling the cake adequately helps the topping to stay fluffy and slices to hold shape.