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Orange Poke Cake with Honey-Orange Glaze

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Orange Poke Cake is a refreshing twist on classic poke cakes—light, moist, and infused with a sweet-tart honey-orange glaze that soaks into every bite. Made with boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, it’s a vibrant and easy dessert that’s perfect for spring, summer, or any citrus lover!


Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box orange or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

  • Ingredients listed on cake box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional for extra flavor)

For the Honey-Orange Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping (Optional):

  • Whipped cream or Cool Whip

  • Orange zest or orange slices, for garnish


Instructions

  • Bake the cake:
    Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to package directions. Add orange zest to the batter for extra citrus flavor, if desired. Let cool for 10–15 minutes.

  • Poke the cake:
    Using a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake while it’s still slightly warm.

  • Make the glaze:
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, honey, lemon juice, and butter. Bring to a light simmer, stirring often, for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

  • Glaze the cake:
    Slowly pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Allow cake to cool completely.

 

  • Serve:
    Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip and a sprinkle of orange zest before serving, if desired.


Notes

  • For extra flavor, use orange Jell-O or orange pudding in the glaze or poke mixture.

  • Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated—flavor improves overnight!

 

  • Add a few drops of orange extract to the cake batter for more intense flavor.