Get ready to transform an ordinary cake into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Mandarin Orange Poke Cake is not just a dessert—it's a tropical-inspired experience that combines the soft, moist texture of a classic yellow cake with the bright, refreshing burst of mandarin oranges. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special, this cake promises to be a show-stopper that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup mandarin orange juice
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 container whipped topping
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Use the mandarin orange juice in place of the water required by the mix for added flavor.
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the poke filling. In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the remaining mandarin orange juice. Mix well until smooth.
- After the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart. Make sure to poke deep enough to allow the filling to seep through.
- Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk and mandarin orange juice mixture over the top of the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and saturates the cake.
- Drain the can of mandarin oranges and gently fold half of them into the whipped topping. Reserve the other half for garnishing the cake.
- Spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the top of the cake, covering it completely.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
- Before serving, garnish the top of the cake with the remaining mandarin oranges for a beautiful presentation.
- Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this refreshing Mandarin Orange Poke Cake!
Tips
- Use fresh mandarin orange juice for the most vibrant flavor. If using canned juice, ensure it's 100% juice without added sugars.
- When poking holes in the cake, be consistent and create holes about 1 inch apart for even flavor distribution.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the filling mixture.
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set perfectly.
- For a more decorative presentation, use a piping bag to apply the whipped topping in elegant swirls.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 267kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
