Name: Orange Crush Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 box white or yellow cake mix (and ingredients required on box); 1 can (12 fl oz orange soda); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 8 oz whipped topping (or about 2 cups whipped cream); optional: shaved white chocolate (extra orange zest, or rainbow sprinkles)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Orange Crush Poke Cake brings a burst of citrusy brightness to your dessert table with its soft, moist texture soaked in vibrant orange soda. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of juicy sweetness and creamy richness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

This cake is wonderfully refreshing and delightfully easy to prepare, with layers that meld together after a few hours of chilling. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, this poke cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The orange soda infuses the cake with a unique, juicy flavor that feels light and refreshing.
The creamy cream cheese and whipped topping layer adds a luscious texture contrast.
It’s simple and quick to make, perfect for busy bakers and beginners alike.
Customizable toppings let you add your own personal touch, from sprinkles to white chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

White or Yellow Cake Mix: A boxed cake mix for a reliable, fluffy cake base with a mild, sweet flavor.
Orange Soda (12 oz / 355 ml): Adds bright, citrusy sweetness and moistens the cake with natural fizz and flavor.
Cream Cheese (8 oz / 226 g), softened: Provides tangy richness that complements the orange flavor in the creamy topping.
Whipped Topping (8 oz / 226 g) or 2 cups whipped cream: Adds light, airy texture that balances the denser cream cheese layer.
Shaved White Chocolate (optional): For an extra touch of sweetness and decorative elegance.
Extra Orange Zest (optional): Enhances citrus fragrance and brightness in the cream layer.
Rainbow Sprinkles (optional): Adds fun, colorful decoration for festive presentations.

Instructions

Prepare & Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix box instructions and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepare the cake batter as directed by mixing the cake mix with the required ingredients. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, usually around 25-30 minutes, ensuring a perfectly soft and moist cake base.
Poke Holes in the Warm Cake: Once the cake is slightly cooled but still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon or skewer to poke about 20 to 30 evenly spaced holes all over the cake surface. This technique allows the orange soda to seep deep into the cake, infusing it with citrus flavor and moisture, transforming the texture beautifully.
Pour the Orange Soda: Slowly and evenly pour the orange soda over the entire cake, letting it fill the holes and fully soak into the layers below. Pour gradually to prevent overflow and use a spatula to spread the liquid if needed. The soda’s fizz and sweetness saturate the cake, creating a juicy, tender dessert foundation.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping or freshly whipped cream until well combined, creating a light yet rich topping layer. Optional additions like orange zest can be mixed in here for extra citrus aroma and complexity.
Spread the Cream Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the soaked cake with a spatula, covering it completely. This creamy layer adds lusciousness and a cooling contrast to the zesty cake below. Smooth the surface for a polished, attractive finish.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the cream layer set firmly. Chilled, the cake slices neatly and offers an irresistibly moist and creamy dessert. Garnish as desired with white chocolate shavings, extra orange zest, or colorful sprinkles before serving.

You Must Know

Ensure soda is poured slowly to allow even absorption without drowning the cake.
For the best flavor, let the cake chill overnight to deepen the citrus infusion and cream texture.
This cake is best served chilled but should be brought to room temperature slightly before eating for optimal softness.

Storage Tips

Store the Orange Crush Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days to keep it fresh and moist. For best results, consume within the first couple of days while the textures and flavors are at their peak.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake chilled alongside fresh orange slices or mixed berries for a fruity complement. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the creamy and citrus flavors for an indulgent treat.

Professional Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for easy blending and a smooth topping.
Gently fold whipped topping in to retain airiness and volume in the cream layer.
If you prefer a less sweet version, use a diet or low-sugar orange soda and adjust toppings accordingly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?: Absolutely! A homemade white or yellow cake works perfectly, just bake it in a 9×13 pan and follow the same poking and soaking steps.
What if I don’t have orange soda?: You can substitute with another citrus soda like lemon-lime or even sparkling water with orange juice, but the flavor will be less sweet and slightly different.
Can I make this dairy-free?: Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and whipped toppings to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining texture.
How long does this cake stay fresh?: Refrigerated and covered, it stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Beyond that, texture and flavor may decline.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?: Yes, it benefits from chilling overnight which enhances absorption and flavor melding, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.
Is this cake very sweet?: The combination of cake mix and orange soda creates a sweet profile that is pleasantly balanced by the tangy cream cheese layer.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?: While not traditional, you can sprinkle chopped nuts atop the cream layer for added texture, but avoid adding them into the batter as it may affect the cake rise.