If you are looking for a dessert that bursts with bright citrus flavor and brings a nostalgic smile to your face, this Orange Jello Cake Recipe is your perfect go-to. Combining the light, fluffy texture of a classic cake with the tangy sweetness of orange Jello and a luscious homemade glaze, this cake feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s impressive but unbelievably simple to make, delivering a moist, tender crumb infused with natural orange zest, making every bite a joyful celebration of flavor. Once you try this Orange Jello Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple at your family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that effortlessly come together to create a heavenly treat. Every item plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of texture, citrusy brightness, and just the right sweetness.
- White or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): This forms the light, fluffy base for the cake, ensuring a moist texture without fuss.
- Orange Jello (3 oz): This is the star ingredient adding vibrant orange flavor and a subtle, fruity sweetness that sets this cake apart.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs provide structure and richness, binding all ingredients together beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (¾ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender, enhancing the soft crumb.
- Water (¾ cup): Helps to hydrate the dry ingredients and bring the batter to the perfect consistency.
- Orange juice (½ cup + 2 tablespoons): The juice infuses extra natural citrus flavor both in the batter and the glaze, giving a fresh zing.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used in the glaze to add sweetness and smooth texture without grittiness.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Adds an aromatic punch that complements the orange juice perfectly, making the glaze irresistible.
How to Make Orange Jello Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure your cake slides out with ease after baking. This preparation lays the groundwork for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and dry orange Jello powder. Mixing these together ensures the Jello flavor is evenly embedded throughout the cake batter, creating consistent citrus notes in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and ½ cup of orange juice to the bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns smooth and silky. This step ensures the batter is well aerated, making the cake nice and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly cooked interior that’s tender without being soggy.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake bakes, it’s time to make the glaze that will amplify the orange flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and the fresh orange zest until smooth. This glaze is glossy and sweet with a zesty kick, giving the cake a beautiful finish.
Step 6: Add the Glaze to the Cake
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, gently poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer. This simple trick allows the glaze to seep deeply into the cake, so every slice is infused with citrusy goodness. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and let it soak in completely before serving.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool fully for the best texture and flavor. Once cooled, slice into generous servings and enjoy the moist, tangy layers that only this Orange Jello Cake Recipe can deliver.
How to Serve Orange Jello Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the vibrant orange flavor, consider garnishing with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of extra orange zest. A dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh mint leaves can add a lovely visual and flavor contrast, elevating the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as a fresh berry salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These accompaniments balance the rich citrus notes and provide a cool, creamy counterpoint that guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake as individual parfaits by layering chunks of cake with whipped cream and fresh orange segments in clear glasses. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized squares for a vibrant dessert tray that’s perfect for parties and potlucks, making this Orange Jello Cake Recipe as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Orange Jello Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and flavorful. For longer storage, refrigeration is also suitable and helps maintain freshness up to four days.
Freezing
If you want to save this cake for later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The cake can be frozen for up to three months without losing its wonderful texture or bright orange flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake after storage or freezing, simply let it thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brief warming revives the cake’s softness and brightens the glaze’s citrus notes wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of Jello in this Orange Jello Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While orange Jello creates the signature citrus flavor, you can experiment with flavors like lemon, strawberry, or even cherry for different fruity twists. Just keep in mind that the glaze should coordinate with the Jello flavor for best results.
What type of cake mix works best?
White or yellow cake mix both work beautifully for this recipe. Yellow cake mix gives a richer, more buttery flavor, whereas white cake mix offers a lighter, more neutral base that lets the orange flavor shine.
Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake before adding the glaze?
Yes, poking holes allows the glaze to penetrate deeply into the cake rather than just sitting on top. This step is crucial for achieving that moist, infused texture that makes this Orange Jello Cake Recipe stand out.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free white or yellow cake mix and ensure your orange Jello is gluten-free as well. This swap will maintain the delicious taste while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh and moist for up to four days in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within this period to savor the full brightness of the orange flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple to whip up yet impressively flavorful, this Orange Jello Cake Recipe is your answer. It’s a sunshine-filled delight that brings warmth and cheer to any table, whether for a casual family treat or a festive celebration. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite as it has for so many who have tasted its joyful orange goodness.
Print
Orange Jello Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant Orange Jello Cake combines a classic white or yellow cake mix with a tangy orange Jello twist, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert. Topped with a zesty orange glaze that seeps into the cake’s tender crumb, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and serves 12 people.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and the dry orange Jello powder thoroughly to blend the citrus flavor into the cake base.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and orange juice to the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Then, use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface to help the glaze soak in.
- Apply the Glaze: Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm cake so it seeps into the holes and infuses flavor throughout.
- Final Cooling and Serve: Let the cake cool completely to set the glaze before slicing and serving. This ensures a perfect texture and flavor balance.
Notes
- For extra orange flavor, you can add a bit more orange zest to the batter.
- Ensure the cake is warm, not hot, when glazing; too hot and the glaze may become too liquid and run off.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Consider chilling the cake slightly if you prefer a firmer glaze texture.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor impact in both the batter and glaze.
