Orange Crush Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake takes just a handful of ingredients and turns them into a soft, colorful treat with a bright orange flavor. The soda and Jell-O combo gives the cake a unique texture and taste that feels both vintage and exciting. The topping is creamy and not overly sweet, which balances out the citrus base beautifully. Plus, it looks impressive with very little effort—and I always get asked for the recipe.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box—typically eggs, oil, and water)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Poke Filling:

• 1 can (12 oz / 355 ml) orange soda (such as Orange Crush)

• 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) orange gelatin powder (Jell-O brand or similar)

For the Topping:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

• Fresh orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Bake the Cake
   I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the yellow cake mix according to the box instructions, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. I pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake it as directed—usually around 25–30 minutes. Then I let the cake cool slightly.

2. Poke the Cake
   While the cake is still warm, I use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top. I make sure the holes go deep so the soda and gelatin can soak through.

3. Add Orange Soda & Gelatin
   I pour the orange soda slowly and evenly over the entire surface of the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Right after that, I sprinkle the dry orange gelatin powder over the top and gently press it down with a spoon or spatula so it starts to dissolve into the soda.

4. Chill
   I place the cake in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 1–2 hours to let everything set and soak into the cake layers.

5. Make the Topping
   In a medium bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Then I gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

6. Frost the Cake
   Once the cake is fully chilled, I spread the whipped cream cheese topping evenly over the surface.

7. Garnish & Serve
   I finish it off with orange zest and fresh orange slices if I have them. Then I slice and serve cold.

Servings and timing

This cake serves about 12 people and takes roughly 30 minutes to prep and bake, plus at least 1–2 hours to chill. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for busy days or parties.

Variations

• Try a different soda: I’ve used grape or strawberry soda for fun twists with matching gelatin flavors.

• Make it a layer cake: I bake the cake in two round pans, slice each in half, and layer with the filling and topping in between.

• Use flavored whipped cream: I fold in a splash of orange extract or zest into the whipped topping for extra flavor.

• Add a crust: For a fun twist, I sometimes bake the cake on top of a crushed vanilla wafer crust.

• Make it lighter: I use light cream cheese and a sugar-free gelatin option for a lower-calorie version.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The topping holds up well and the cake actually gets better as it sits. I don’t recommend freezing this cake, as the texture of the topping can change once thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this cake the night before?

Yes, and I often do. It’s even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to soak in.

Do I have to use Orange Crush?

Not at all. Any orange soda works—Fanta, Sunkist, or store brand versions all give the same great result.

What if I don’t have whipped cream?

I whip heavy cream myself, but I could also use whipped topping (like Cool Whip) in a pinch.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, white cake or vanilla cake mix works great too. I just avoid chocolate, which can overpower the citrus flavors.

Is the gelatin fully dissolved in this recipe?

The gelatin gets partially absorbed and softened by the soda. It won’t fully dissolve like in traditional Jell-O, but it blends into the cake and gives it a tender texture and vibrant flavor.

Conclusion

This Orange Crush Poke Cake is everything I want in a nostalgic dessert—bright, creamy, and full of citrusy charm. With minimal effort and a fun presentation, it’s one of those cakes that always disappears fast and brings a little joy to the table. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, birthday, or just a sweet weekend treat, this cake always hits the spot.

Print