EASY ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

Ready to transport your taste buds straight back to childhood summer afternoons? This Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is where nostalgia meets next-level dessert—soft, tangy, creamy, and oh-so-easy. Let’s dive into a slice of sunshine!

 

ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

Nothing screams “summer party” louder than a dessert that looks simple but delivers big on flavor. This poke cake packs all the dreamy vibes of an orange creamsicle popsicle into moist cake studded with zesty jello, layered with luscious cheesecake-style pudding and clouds of whipped topping. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you grin from the first forkful, and best of all, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, school potluck, or just need a no-stress treat after work, this beauty comes together faster than you can say “more please.”
We’re leaning into that classic Orange Creamsicle flavor, swapping water for fresh orange juice when you mix up the cake, then letting electric-bright jello seep into every pore. A silky quick-mix cheesecake pudding layer, folded with Cool Whip, crowns the top.

When you garnish with juicy mandarin slices, you have a showstopper worthy of any dessert table. And the best part? You can absolutely customize it to fit your fam’s tastes.

Poke cakes are perfect when you need a fabulous dessert and you don’t have much time to prepare! Haden, my grandson, has been asking me for things with the orange flavor lately. So, it was a no brainer when it came to making a dessert. Seriously, this will be gone so fast!

 

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Ingredients: 

1 white cake mix
1 cup of orange juice
1 – 3-ounce box of orange Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 – 3.4-ounce box instant cheesecake pudding
1 cup milk
1 – 8-ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
Mandarin oranges

ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Generously spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, pour the cake mix and substitute the water on the box for 1 cup of orange juice. Stir just until combined—overmixing can toughen the crumb.
3. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes.
4. Using a fork or wooden skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake, about 1 inch apart. These holes are your magical syrup channels.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the orange Jell-O powder into 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved. Immediately pour the hot jello over the cake, letting it pool in the holes. Chill in the refrigerator until completely set, at least 2 hours.
6. While the cake chills, whisk together the instant cheesecake pudding mix and milk in a clean bowl for about 2 minutes until thickened. Gently fold in the Cool Whip with a spatula until smooth and swirly.
7. Spread the cheesecake-whipped topping over the cooled, jello-soaked cake.
8. Drain mandarin segments and arrange on top for a bright, fresh pop of orange.
9. Cut into 24 squares and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

 

Calorie Count

Each slice (1 of 24) clocks in at approximately:
• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fat: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Sugar: 20 g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.

 

ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

Science-Backed Cooking Tips

• Let the cake cool just enough (5–10 minutes) before poking holes. Too hot, and the cake will crumble; too cool, and the jello won’t seep in properly.
• Use fresh-squeezed orange juice if you can. The acidity tenderizes gluten, keeps the crumb soft, and delivers vibrant citrus flavor without that processed tang.
• For even jello penetration, pour in a slow, circular motion, encouraging the liquid to fill every hole.
• Chill the cake uncovered for the first hour, then cover loosely with plastic wrap. This prevents condensation from diluting the jello glaze.
• If your jello layer seems too thin, reduce boiling water by 2 tablespoons. Thicker syrup means bolder orange color and flavor

ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

 

Recipe Variations

• Citrus Swap: Use lime or lemon Jell-O and corresponding juice for a tangy twist.
• Tropical Twist: Fold diced pineapples into the cheesecake layer and swap mandarin segments for crushed pineapple tarts.
• Berry Burst: Mix cherry or strawberry Jell-O with a splash of strawberry puree, top with fresh berries.
• Chocolate Meets Orange: Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the pudding, then finish with orange segments for a posh dessert

 

Kid-Friendly Tips

• Little chefs love poking holes—let them go wild with a fork or straw (supervise closely).
• Use colorful silicone spatulas for stirring and spreading; it’s more fun than bland metal tools.
• Offer sprinkles to decorate the Cool Whip top before the mandarin garnish for a festive look.
• Instead of slices, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes—stars, hearts, letters—right on the tray.
• Let kids taste a tiny spoonful of jello syrup before it goes on the cake to hype up the “magical orange sauce.”

ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

Grocery Hacks

• Stock up on cake mixes and pudding packets when they’re on sale—these pantry staples make dessert dreams quick and easy.
• Look for store-brand or sale varieties of Jell-O and Cool Whip; they taste the same and cost less.
• Freeze leftover mandarin orange slices in a zip-top bag; they make fun smoothie boosters or ice-cold pops.
• Bulk-buy nonstick spray in big value packs; it saves space and dollars.
• Compare price per ounce on boxed cake mixes—sometimes “family size” is actually cheaper ounce for ounce than “regular.”

Do You love Poke Cakes? Check out these delicious recipes! Oreo Poke Cake, Strawberry Poke Cake, and Skinny Orange Poke Cake. 

 

 

 

ORANGE CREAMSICLE POKE CAKE

Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that sparks smiles and melts hearts. It’s refreshingly nostalgic, deceptively simple, and endlessly adaptable. With just a few pantry staples and minimal brain power, you can serve up a crowd-pleasing treat that feels gourmet but comes together in a snap. So next time you crave sunshine in cake form, you know exactly what to do: grab a box of cake mix, juice up those oranges, and get poking. Sweet, creamy summer bliss awaits! Tag us on Instagram!