Name: Orange Jello Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 box (3 oz) orange Jello gelatin mix; ¾ cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 cup orange juice (divided); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice

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If there’s ever a dessert guaranteed to bring some sunshine to your table, it’s Orange Jello Cake. With its ultra-moist texture, lively citrus flavor, and bright orange hue, this cake is like a slice of summer, whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or just surprising your family with something sweet on a weeknight. The best part? It comes together with just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients (hello, cake mix and Jello!) and a simple-to-whip-up orange glaze. Give this light, refreshing cake a try and get ready for rave reviews with every blissfully tangy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to make magic. Each one here has a special job: from the softness of the cake mix, the citrus sparkle of orange Jello, to the glossy glaze that pulls it all together. These essentials are your building blocks for the happiest cake you’ll bake all season.

Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The perfect shortcut for reliably tender and flavorful cake layers, every single time.
Orange Jello gelatin mix (1 box, 3 oz): This secret weapon adds an unmistakable zesty flavor and gives the cake its signature color and springy crumb.
Water (¾ cup): Helps blend the ingredients smoothly and creates a light, moist batter.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Adds moisture and richness, keeping the cake extra soft for days.
Large eggs (4): Provide structure, richness, and a tender crumb every time.
Orange juice (1 cup, divided): Brightens both the cake and the glaze with fresh citrus essence.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Mixes seamlessly into the glaze, creating a luscious, sweet finish that seeps into every nook of the cake.

How to Make Orange Jello Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous greasing to ensure the cake releases easily once it’s done. A little extra love here means you won’t lose a single bite to sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Grab a large bowl and gather up all your cake base essentials: yellow cake mix, orange Jello powder (just the dry powder, no need to make gelatin), water, vegetable oil, four eggs, and half a cup of the orange juice. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about two minutes, stopping to scrape the sides a couple of times. You’re looking for a bright, smooth batter with no lumps—get ready, it already smells fabulous.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish and smooth the top if needed. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center springs back lightly or a toothpick comes out clean—no sticky batter here! Try not to open the oven too early, so the cake rises beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Orange Glaze

As your Orange Jello Cake bakes, whisk the remaining half cup orange juice with the powdered sugar until silky smooth. This citrusy glaze is what makes the cake truly special, soaking in and creating bursts of tangy sweetness in every bite.

Step 5: Glaze and Cool

When the cake is fresh from the oven, poke holes all over the warm top with a skewer or a fork. Then, slowly pour the glaze evenly over the whole cake, letting it soak deeply into each hole. This trick is what gives the poke cake its iconic texture and flavor bursts. Allow the cake to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and intensify before serving.

How to Serve Orange Jello Cake

Garnishes

Take your Orange Jello Cake presentation over the top with colorful garnishes. Thin slices or twists of fresh orange look lovely, and a sprinkling of orange zest (especially in the glaze!) adds extra zing. If you want a bit of elegance, finish with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a sunny dessert, so pair it with light, fresh sides like a berry fruit salad, vanilla ice cream, or lemon sorbet for a cooling touch. It also works well alongside brunch favorites like quiche or fluffy scrambled eggs, balancing sweet citrus with savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the sheet cake! Cut your Orange Jello Cake into cubes for an easy party platter, layer slices in mini dessert cups with whipped cream, or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for kids’ parties. The vibrant color and moist crumb hold up beautifully in trifle-style parfaits, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cake fresh by covering the pan tightly with plastic wrap or storing pieces in an airtight container in the fridge. Orange Jello Cake tastes fantastic chilled, and the glaze keeps it moist for up to four days—great for make-ahead dinners or snacking all week long.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake! Once completely cooled, cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight for a quick, flavorful treat whenever you crave it.

Reheating

While Orange Jello Cake is usually served cold or at room temperature, you can gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds if desired. Just don’t overdo it—warming too much can make the glaze disappear into the cake. A quick zap brings back that freshly baked feel without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon, strawberry, or lime Jello to create your own twist on the classic recipe. Each brings a unique color and flavor, so have fun matching the Jello to your event or craving.

Is it possible to make this Orange Jello Cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the regular version. Double-check that your Jello and the remaining ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a delicious cake everyone at the table can enjoy.

Can I make Orange Jello Cake in advance for a party?

Certainly! This cake actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just prepare as directed, cover well, and store in the fridge until ready to serve—the flavors intensify beautifully as it sits.

Do I have to poke holes for the glaze?

The poke method is what really sets Orange Jello Cake apart and ensures the glaze seeps into every bite. While you could skip it, you’d miss out on those extra-moist, citrus-infused pockets throughout the cake. The holes don’t have to be perfect—just poke away!

What can I add for an extra citrus punch?

For more zest, stir a teaspoon of fresh orange zest into the glaze or sprinkle it on top before serving. You can also add some finely chopped candied orange peel or a drizzle of orange extract for deeper citrus flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cheerful, easy dessert with a wow factor, you simply can’t go wrong with Orange Jello Cake. It’s bright, flavorful, and full of happy, citrusy goodness. Don’t be surprised if this cake finds a permanent spot in your recipe box—give it a try and let the occasion turn deliciously sunny!

Orange Jello Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the citrusy delight of this Orange Jello Cake, a perfect summer dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of yellow cake mix and orange Jello creates a moist and vibrant cake that is sure to impress your guests. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, this sheet cake is a refreshing treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 box (3 oz) orange Jello gelatin mix
¾ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 cup orange juice (divided)

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup orange juice

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, orange Jello powder, water, oil, eggs, and ½ cup of orange juice. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the glaze: Whisk the remaining ½ cup orange juice with powdered sugar until smooth.
Glaze the cake: Poke holes in the warm cake and pour the glaze over it. Allow to cool before serving.