As spring starts to make its presence known, and summer is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to whip up something that’s as bright and bubbly as the season itself. That’s where the delightful Orange Crush Poke Cake comes into play! Originally adapted from the poke cake method, where holes are poked into a warm cake to let a liquid infusion soak through, this version uses the zesty punch of orange soda to add a fun twist. It’s an excellent pick for barbecues, potlucks, or anytime you need a sweet treat that packs a citrusy punch.
This vibrant cake is quite the showstopper on its own, but if you want to dress it up for a gathering, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh orange zest or colorful sprinkles over the top to match the playful vibe of any summer party.

Ingredients
1 box of white cake mix (and ingredients required to make the cake such as eggs, oil, and water)
1 cup of Orange Crush soda
1 package (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of orange zest
2 cups of whipped topping
Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Directions
1. Preheat your oven and prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions, substituting Orange Crush soda for the water called for in the recipe.
2. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake as directed on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove the cake from the oven. While still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Pour the pudding mixture over the warm cake, aiming to fill the holes.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely, then spread the whipped topping evenly over the top.
7. Garnish with orange slices or additional zest, if desired, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the cake absorb the flavors and firm up before serving.

Variations & Tips
For a twist on the classic, try using different flavors of soda like lemon-lime or grapefruit to give a new taste profile to each cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix the pudding layer with orange liqueur instead of milk for an adult version. For another fun variant, add a layer of vanilla or orange marmalade under the whipped topping for extra zest and sweetness.