Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game with a mouthwatering treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly light! This Skinny Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is the ultimate solution for those craving a sweet escape without derailing their health goals. Imagine a vibrant, citrusy cake that melts in your mouth, bursting with refreshing orange flavor and creamy vanilla undertones - all while keeping things waistline-friendly. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a dessert lover, or simply someone who appreciates a smart culinary creation, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box orange cake mix
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 small box sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups fat-free milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/4 cup orange zest
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, combine the orange cake mix, 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1/2 cup of water. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar-free vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of fat-free milk. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding is set and the cake is chilled.
- Before serving, spread 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of orange zest on top for added flavor and decoration.
- Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy your Skinny Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake!
Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- When poking holes, use the handle of a wooden spoon and create consistent, evenly spaced holes for uniform pudding distribution.
- For an extra zesty kick, use fresh orange zest rather than pre-packaged dried zest.
- Allow sufficient chilling time to let the pudding set completely and enhance the cake's flavor melding.
- Use a non-stick baking pan or thoroughly grease and flour to ensure easy cake removal.
- For a more intense orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract to the cake batter.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 167kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
