Orange Dreamsicle Poke Cake

In my family when it is your birthday you are allowed to not only pick what we have for dinner but also what kind of cake you want.  I know many people do the same thing.  

My husband recently had a birthday and his request was an orange or lemon cake with pudding involved somehow.  I couldn't find the perfect recipe, so I made up my own.  I know my husband loves Orange Dreamsicle popsicles, so I decided to go that route.  

This Orange Dreamsicle Poke Cake is moist and flavorful and completely satisfied my birthday boy.  I know it is winter time and most of us want chocolate, mint decadence.  However, sometimes, whether that is in the summer, spring, fall, or winter, you want something that reminds you of the lightness and fun of summer.  For all of those light, fun, and non-chocolate times this cake is the answer to what to make.  

This cake is simple, but has great flavor.  This cake is so simple you could easily make this with the "help" of your son or daughter. What is better than a tasty, flavorful, and simple cake to celebrate a birthday, bring to a party, or even make into cupcakes (just a little more complex put still easy enough)?  

Orange Dreamsicle Poke Cake

Active Time: 15 minutes

Inactive Time:  About 2 hours

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients: 

Cake

1 white cake mix

1 1/4 cup Orange Juice
3 eggs
Zest of 1 Orange (About 2 Tbsp)

1 cup boiling water

3 oz box orange jello

Icing
1 small (3.4oz) French Vanilla pudding
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp orange extract
1 (8oz) cool whip

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 9x13 pan. 
2. Mix cake mix, orange juice, eggs, and orange zest until mixed well.  Pour cake mixture into a greased pan and bake for 27-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 
3. In a small bowl mix the boiling water and orange jello together.
4. Using a fork poke holes into the cake.  Being a librarian and a bit OCD I like to poke holes in perfect lines.  Ridiculous, I know. 
5. Pour the jello mixture all over the cake for a good orange soaking.  
6. Let cake cool completely. 
7. For the icing mix with a whisk or fork the pudding and milk in a medium bowl.  Stir in the vanilla and orange extract. Finally, fold in the cool whip. 
8. Spread the icing over the completely cooled cake and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.  

Recipe: http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/