Pin it
The Orange Crush Poke Cake is a masterpiece of vintage convenience. It’s the kind of dessert invented to solve the problem of leftover party soda, only to become a legendary potluck staple. By taking a simple white cake, poking it full of holes, and saturating it with orange Jello and Orange Crush soda, you create a neon-orange, citrus-infused sponge that is impossibly moist. My mother-in-law used to treat this like a guarded family secret, but after finding the same recipe on dozens of retro food blogs, I realized the real secret is just how well orange soda and gelatin work together. It’s bright, refreshing, and unapologetically retro.
My neighbor Debbie is a self-proclaimed "from-scratch" purist who usually scoffs at boxed mixes. After catching her eating two massive slices at a block party, she quietly asked for the recipe. I later found out she’s been making it for her bridge club, but she calls it "Citrus Infusion Sponge" to avoid admitting she’s using Orange Crush and Jello. I’ve seen the bright orange cans in her recycling bin, though, so the secret is out!
What Goes Into It
- Cake Base: 1 box (15 oz) white cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 3 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- The Soak: 1 package (3 oz) orange Jello, 3/4 cup boiling water, 1 can (12 oz) cold Orange Crush soda
- The Topping: 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, orange sprinkles, and 1 can drained mandarin oranges (for garnish)
Pin it
The Poke and Pour Method
1. Bake the Foundation Preheat your oven to **350°F**. Mix the cake ingredients for 2 minutes until smooth and bake in a greased 9x13 pan for **26–32 minutes**. ### 2. The Poking Phase As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the entire surface. Go deep, but don't hit the bottom of the pan. ### 3. The Orange Infusion Dissolve the Jello powder in 3/4 cup boiling water. Once fully dissolved, stir in the cold Orange Crush. The mixture will foam up—this is normal! Slowly pour this liquid over the hot cake, making sure it fills every hole. ### 4. The Two-Stage Chill Cover and refrigerate for **1–2 hours**. Once the Jello has set, spread the Cool Whip over the top. Add your sprinkles and mandarin oranges, then chill for another 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld."I tried a sugar-free version once with diet soda and sugar-free Jello. While it worked, the color was a bit paler and the Jello didn't set as firmly. If you want that classic, vibrant 'Orange Crush' experience, stick with the full-sugar originals!"
Serving and Variations
This cake is best served straight from the fridge. It’s a summer favorite because it’s cold and refreshing, unlike heavy frosted cakes that melt in the sun.
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Use Lemon Jello and Sprite for a "7-Up" style cake
- Strawberry Fields: Use Strawberry Jello and strawberry soda, topped with fresh sliced strawberries
- Tropical Punch: Try Pineapple Jello and pineapple soda for a bright, island-inspired dessert
Pin it
The Orange Crush Poke Cake is proof that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a "showstopper." It’s nostalgic, fun, and consistently the first thing to disappear at any family gathering. Just remember: the more holes, the better!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different soda flavor?
- Sure! Grape soda with grape Jell-O, cherry with cherry Jell-O, or lemon-lime with lemon Jell-O all work great. Just match the soda and Jell-O flavors.
- → Why do I need to poke holes while the cake is hot?
- The warm cake absorbs the Jell-O mixture better when it's hot. If you wait until it cools, the Jell-O won't soak in as well.
- → Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
- You can, but Cool Whip holds up better and doesn't weep or deflate as quickly. If using real whipped cream, serve the cake within a day.
- → How long does this cake need to chill?
- At least 3-4 hours total - 1-2 hours after adding the Jell-O, then at least 2 more hours after adding the Cool Whip. Overnight is even better.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dessert. It actually tastes better the next day. Just wait to add the mandarin orange garnish until right before serving.
- → Why is my Jell-O not soaking into the cake?
- Make sure you poke lots of holes and that the cake is still warm when you pour the Jell-O over it. Pour slowly so it has time to absorb.