Chocolate Orange Poke Cake

Chocolate Orange Poke Cake is a vibrant and decadent dessert that blends the rich indulgence of chocolate with the bright, citrusy zing of orange. The moist chocolate cake is infused with orange gelatin, topped with fluffy whipped cream, and garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh orange zest. It’s a nostalgic classic with a fresh flavor twist that makes it perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something sweet and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and flavorful thanks to the gelatin-soaked poke cake method
• A classic chocolate-orange combo that’s both nostalgic and refreshing
• Easy to make using pantry staples and boxed cake mix
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
• Great for make-ahead desserts and feeding a crowd

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chocolate cake mix (plus required ingredients: eggs, oil, water)
• Orange gelatin (like orange Jell-O)
• Boiling water
• Cold water
• Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
• Orange zest
• Chocolate shavings or curls

Directions

1. Bake the cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to package directions and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Poke the cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the warm cake.
3. Prepare gelatin: In a mixing bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water. Stir in the cold water.
4. Pour over cake: Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. Frost and garnish: Once chilled, spread whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle orange zest and chocolate shavings on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–15 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• From scratch: Use a homemade chocolate cake if you prefer not to use a box mix.
• Extra citrus: Add a few drops of orange extract to the cake batter for even more citrus flavor.
• Ganache topping: Swap the whipped topping for a glossy chocolate ganache if you want a richer finish.
• Candy garnish: Top with segments of chocolate oranges or candied orange peel for decoration.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: The unfrosted, poke-soaked cake can be frozen. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Reheating: Not recommended. Serve chilled.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?

Yes, a homemade chocolate cake will work perfectly if baked in a 9×13-inch pan.

What kind of orange gelatin should I use?

Use any orange-flavored gelatin powder like Jell-O. Sugar-free versions also work.

Do I need to let the cake cool completely before poking?

Let it cool just slightly—about 10–15 minutes. It should still be warm to help absorb the gelatin better.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually better when made ahead so the flavors meld and the cake sets fully.

Can I use freshly whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely. Just be sure it’s stabilized if you plan to make the cake in advance.

How do I make chocolate curls?

Use a vegetable peeler on the edge of a chocolate bar that’s slightly softened at room temperature.

Will the cake get soggy?

No, as long as the gelatin is added while the cake is warm but not hot, and then fully chilled.

Can I use different citrus flavors?

Yes, lemon or lime gelatin also pair well with chocolate for a fun twist.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

It’s better suited to a sheet cake, but you can adapt it by poking holes into each cupcake and drizzling gelatin over the tops.

Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the vibrant color and fun flavor combination.

Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Poke Cake is a dreamy dessert that delivers bold flavor and moist texture with every bite. It’s a fun, fuss-free recipe that’s easy to assemble, beautiful to present, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love chocolate and citrus together, this cake will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

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