Simple Orange Jello Poke Cake
A delightfully refreshing dessert that combines a moist white cake infused with orange jello, topped with creamy buttercream frosting and juicy mandarin oranges.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 15.25 oz white cake mix
- 3 large egg whites Substitute with aquafaba for vegan option.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
For the Jello Mixture
- 3 oz orange gelatin mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use coconut oil or plant-based margarine for dairy-free option.
- 4 cups icing sugar, sifted Substitute with sugar alternative for lower sugar option.
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
To Serve
- 11 oz mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, and 1 cup of water. Beat according to box directions until smooth and well combined. Then, pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 28-30 minutes.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for exactly 5 minutes.
Jello Preparation
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the orange gelatin mix with 1 cup of boiling water, stirring vigorously until dissolved. Add the 1/3 cup of cold water and allow this mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes before mixing in the fresh orange zest.
- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes in the warm cake in a grid pattern. Slowly pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the entire surface, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours until the gelatin is set.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, then mix in the milk, vanilla essence, and salt, beating until fluffy and well combined.
Assembly
- Once the gelatin is set, spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Finally, arrange the mandarin orange segments on top for an appealing finish.
Notes
For best results, chill the cake overnight to allow flavors to meld. A touch of food coloring can enhance the visual appeal of the frosting.