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Easy Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake with Vanilla Pudding

A square slice of Creamsicle Cake featuring layers of yellow cake, bright orange gelatin, and fluffy white whipped topping.
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You will make a moist, citrusy dessert that tastes like a childhood frozen treat. This easy orange creamsicle poke cake uses simple ingredients and combines orange gelatin with vanilla pudding for a creamy, refreshing finish perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
  • Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare and bake the yellow cake mix according to package directions in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
  2. Poke the cake: Once the cake is cool, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make the holes deep, going almost to the bottom of the pan.
  3. Prepare the orange soak: In a medium bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin completely in the boiling water. Stir in the cold water. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly, but do not let it set.
  4. Pour the soak: Slowly pour the orange gelatin mixture evenly over the entire surface of the poked cake, allowing the liquid to soak into the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill and set the gelatin, about 1 to 2 hours.
  5. Prepare the vanilla pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the orange zest, if using.
  6. Top the cake: Spread the thickened vanilla pudding mixture evenly over the set orange gelatin layer.
  7. Add the topping: Gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer.
  8. Chill and serve: Return the cake to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled, before slicing and serving this crowd pleasing cake.

Notes

  • For a richer orange flavor, you can substitute 1/2 cup of the cold water in the gelatin step with fresh orange juice.
  • If you prefer a firmer topping, you can use a stabilized whipped cream recipe instead of frozen whipped topping.
  • This cake is best served cold, making it a refreshing dessert for summer events.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/creamsicle-cake-easy-orange-poke-recipe/