Are you craving a ridiculously easy yet incredibly delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This Orange Poke Cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, delivering a vibrant citrus flavor and unbelievably moist texture. It's the kind of homemade cooking that will impress everyone, regardless of your baking experience. Get ready to transform a simple boxed cake mix into a show-stopping dessert! This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or a satisfyingly sweet end to a meal. It's also a great option for healthy meals, as you can adjust the sweetness and add extra fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (12 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (16 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box, using the eggs, oil, and water indicated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 30-35 minutes, but always check your cake mix box for accurate baking time.
Step 2: Poking the Holes
Once the cake is completely cool, use a wooden skewer, chopstick, or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Don't be shy! The more holes, the better the orange juice mixture will soak in.
Step 3: The Orangey Goodness
In a medium bowl, whisk together the thawed orange juice concentrate, cold milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak completely into the holes. You might need to gently tilt the pan to ensure all areas are saturated. Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes to allow it to fully absorb the liquid. This is a crucial step for achieving that wonderfully moist texture.
Step 4: Whipped Topping Heaven
Once the cake has absorbed the orange juice mixture, gently spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top.
Step 5: The Zesty Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until you reach your desired consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and add more as needed to create a pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the whipped topping, letting it drip down the sides of the cake for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer orange flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice in both the soaking mixture and the glaze.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cake batter for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
- Feel free to use a different flavored cake mix, like lemon or even a spice cake, for a unique twist.
- Garnish with candied orange peels or fresh orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s always a good idea to use a nutrition calculator for more precise results.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
This delicious Orange Poke Cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. It's a simple, delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!