Chocolate Orange Poke Cake Recipe

This Chocolate Orange Poke Cake is the dreamy dessert you didn’t know you needed in your life. Moist chocolate cake soaked with a luscious orange-infused sauce, then topped with a silky chocolate ganache and zesty orange whipped cream—every bite is a delicious explosion of rich, citrusy goodness. The best part? It’s so easy to put together, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something sweet, bold, and beautiful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Decadent: The combination of deep chocolate and bright orange is timeless and incredibly satisfying.
• Effortless but Impressive: Looks fancy, tastes gourmet, but it’s simple enough for beginner bakers.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better the next day, once all the flavors have had time to meld.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s equally at home at a dinner party or a casual family gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this decadent cake—and why each one matters:

• Chocolate cake mix: A total time-saver and the perfect moist base for soaking up all that citrus flavor.
• Eggs, oil, and water: For preparing the cake mix—don’t skip the eggs; they help bind and enrich the batter.
• Orange gelatin mix: This is key for infusing the cake with bold orange flavor—it seeps into every bite!
• Boiling water: To dissolve the gelatin and make it easy to pour into the poked cake.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a creamy richness to the orange layer that makes it extra luscious.
• Heavy cream: Used for whipping up that dreamy topping—don’t substitute with milk!
• Powdered sugar: Just a bit to sweeten the whipped cream without overpowering the citrus.
• Orange zest: Brings brightness and real orange essence to the whipped topping.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into a glossy ganache that adds that final luxurious touch.
• Butter: Helps make the ganache smooth, shiny, and spreadable.

Variations

Want to switch it up? Here are some creative twists:

• Chocolate Raspberry: Use raspberry gelatin instead of orange and fresh berries on top for a tangy twist.
• Dark Chocolate Orange: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer ganache and bolder flavor.
• Citrus Blend: Mix orange and lemon zest into the whipped topping for extra zing.
• Spiked Version: Add a splash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the gelatin mix for an adult-friendly dessert.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake, about an inch apart. This allows the filling to seep in and infuse the cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Filling

In a bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin mix in boiling water. Stir in sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, letting it sink into the holes. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

Melt the chocolate chips and butter together (microwave or stovetop). Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly, then spread over the chilled cake in an even layer. Return to fridge to let it set.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and orange zest until soft peaks form. Spread over the cooled ganache layer.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill

Top with extra zest, shaved chocolate, or orange slices if you’re feeling fancy. Chill until ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Poke While Warm: Poking the cake while it’s still warm helps the gelatin mixture absorb more evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Ganache: Stir until just combined and smooth—overmixing can make it grainy.
• Use Fresh Zest: Bottled orange flavor just doesn’t compare. Fresh zest makes all the difference.
• Chill Between Layers: Let each layer set before adding the next to keep the layers distinct and beautiful.

How to Serve

This cake is the star of any dessert table. Serve chilled, and cut into neat squares for clean layers.

Pairing Ideas:

• Drinks: A hot cup of coffee or a shot of espresso balances the sweetness.
• Fruit Garnish: Add orange segments or berries for extra freshness.
• Dessert Board: Include on a board with chocolate-dipped strawberries, cookies, and citrus candies for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify over time, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (before adding whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before topping and serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this cake is best served chilled. Just let it sit out for 5–10 minutes if it’s too firm straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you’ve got a go-to chocolate cake recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure it’s a moist one so it can soak up the filling properly.

What if I don’t like orange flavor?
No worries—you can swap the orange gelatin for raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon. The method stays the same, and you’ll still get a delicious result.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can try using a dairy-free condensed milk and coconut cream for the whipped topping, but the texture and taste will be slightly different. Choose a dark chocolate ganache made with plant-based butter.

Do I have to use whipped cream topping?
Not at all! Cream cheese frosting or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side would also be amazing.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Poke Cake is proof that stunning desserts don’t have to be complicated. It’s rich, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy night in, this is a dessert that delivers every time. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to treat!

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