If you are looking for a vibrant, sweet, and delightfully moist dessert, this Orange Jello Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brilliantly combines the light texture of a classic white or yellow cake with the tangy, refreshing burst of orange Jello, creating layers of flavor that dance on your taste buds. This cake is not only stunning to look at with its sunny hue and glossy glaze but also incredibly fun and easy to make, perfect for family gatherings or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Orange Jello Cake Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in delivering that perfect flavor and texture. From the cake mix to the fresh orange juice and zest, every component works harmoniously to create a cake that’s vibrant, moist, and full of citrusy goodness.
- White or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The base that ensures a fluffy and tender crumb while allowing the orange flavor to shine.
- Orange Jello (3 oz): The star ingredient that adds a burst of citrus flavor and vibrant color to the cake.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and richness to the cake batter for a perfect rise and texture.
- Vegetable oil (¾ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a subtle richness.
- Water (¾ cup): Helps achieve the ideal batter consistency and adds hydration.
- Orange juice (½ cup + 2 tablespoons): Adds fresh brightness and intensifies the orange flavor both inside and on top as part of the glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Essential for the smooth, sweet glaze that soaks into the cake.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Delivers an extra pop of fresh citrus aroma and flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
How to Make Orange Jello Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure your cake comes out effortlessly after baking. This foundational step is crucial for an even bake and that golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and the dry orange Jello powder. This step infuses your cake batter with that unmistakable orange flavor and lovely color, setting the tone for the entire recipe.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Blend
Next, add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and orange juice to your dry mix. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend everything for 2-3 minutes until the batter becomes smooth and glossy. This ensures a light, airy cake full of citrus bliss.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be fragrant, slightly springy to the touch, and beautifully golden.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and ready to bring an extra zing and lovely sheen to your cake.
Step 6: Cool, Poke, and Drizzle
When the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes. Then use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface. This helps the glaze seep into every nook and cranny, making the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 7: Apply the Glaze
Drizzle the prepared orange glaze over the warm cake, ensuring it soaks in beautifully through the holes. This step crowns the cake with a shiny, sticky, and zesty finish that makes it irresistible.
Step 8: Cool Completely Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool entirely before slicing. This lets the glaze set perfectly and the flavors meld together so that every bite is pure, citrusy joy.
How to Serve Orange Jello Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh orange slices can transform your Orange Jello Cake Recipe into a show-stopping centerpiece. For an extra touch, sprinkle some finely chopped candied ginger or a handful of toasted almonds to add contrasting textures and a hint of sophistication.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to keep things fresh and fruity, try serving it alongside a mixed berry salad or a cousin of citrus segments to amplify that fresh, vibrant feeling with each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, consider slicing the cake into small squares and serving on decorative toothpicks for easy grab-and-go treats. Alternatively, turn it into mini parfaits by layering cake cubes with whipped cream and fresh orange segments in clear glasses for a visually stunning dessert that wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Orange Jello Cake Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. Keeping it covered well helps maintain its moisture and prevents the glaze from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to stretch out the pleasure, this cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then into a freezer bag, keeping it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Because this cake is best enjoyed moist and fresh, gentle reheating is recommended. Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring some softness back without melting the glaze completely or drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of Jello instead of orange?
Absolutely! While orange Jello is classic for this cake, experimenting with lemon or cherry Jello can create delicious variations. Just keep in mind that different flavors will alter the final taste and color but still make a fun, flavorful dessert.
Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake before adding the glaze?
Yes, poking holes is key to this recipe. It allows the glaze to seep deep into the cake layers, infusing every bite with extra moisture and vibrant orange flavor rather than just sitting on top.
Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a mix?
You can! Using a homemade white or yellow cake recipe will work well. You would simply fold the dry orange Jello powder into your flour mixture, then proceed with the liquid ingredients as usual. The mix just makes it quicker and convenient.
What if I don’t have orange zest on hand?
While fresh orange zest adds a lovely aromatic punch, you can omit it if needed or substitute with a few drops of high-quality orange extract to maintain that citrus note in the glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe is not gluten-free due to the cake mix, but you can find gluten-free white or yellow cake mixes to substitute to accommodate gluten-free diets without compromising on taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Orange Jello Cake Recipe enough for anyone craving a dessert that’s straightforward to bake but bursting with joyful flavor and sunny color. It’s a nostalgic treat that never gets old and always impresses. Next time you want something sweet and citrusy, dive into this recipe and share the love—it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around!
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Orange Jello Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Orange Jello Cake is a delightful and moist dessert combining the classic flavors of citrus and cake mix for a tangy, sweet treat. The orange-flavored glaze seeps into the warm cake for an extra burst of flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or a refreshing everyday dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 package orange Jello (3 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup orange juice
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and the dry orange Jello powder thoroughly.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and orange juice to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Once the cake is out of the oven, cool it for 10 minutes. Then, use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake.
- Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the prepared orange glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes and infuse the cake with flavor.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving to let the glaze set and enhance the texture.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh orange juice and zest to maximize flavor.
- The holes in the cake help the glaze penetrate deeply, making the cake moist and flavorful.
- This cake can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on preference.
- To add a richer flavor, consider topping with whipped cream or orange slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
