Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly easy to make and unbelievably delicious? Then look no further! This Orange Poke Cake is the perfect answer. It's a delightful blend of moist, citrusy cake, creamy orange pudding, and a sweet whipped topping – a truly irresistible combination that's sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to experience a taste of sunshine!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
For the Filling:
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant orange pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
Baking the Cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily.
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In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can dry the cake, so keep an eye on it.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before poking holes all over it using a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon. This creates channels for the pudding to soak into.
Preparing the Filling:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
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Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the warm, poked cake. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the pudding to be absorbed fully. This is where the magic happens!
Making the Topping:
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In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat!
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Spread the whipped cream evenly over the pudding-soaked cake. You can add a sprinkle of extra orange zest for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Serving and Storage:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set completely. This delicious orange poke cake is best served chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips and Variations:
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a tablespoon or two of orange liqueur to the cake batter (for adult versions only).
- You can substitute other fruit-flavored pudding mixes, such as lemon or raspberry, depending on your preference.
- For a richer cake, use melted butter instead of oil.
- Feel free to decorate the cake with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
This recipe provides a healthy balance of flavor and ease, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner dessert or a show-stopping treat for a party, this orange poke cake is sure to impress! It's a delicious dish that showcases homemade cooking at its finest, a true testament to easy and healthy meals. Enjoy!