Name: Sunshine Creamsicle Poke Cake (Light, Fruity & Creamy Dessert)
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow or white cake mix; Ingredients listed on box (typically eggs, oil, water); 1 (12 oz) can orange soda (e.g., Sunkist or Fanta); ½ cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed; 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix; Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra brightness); Orange zest curls; Candied orange slices; Sprinkles

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

1 (15.25 oz) box yellow or white cake mix
Ingredients listed on box (typically eggs, oil, water)

For the poke syrup:

1 (12 oz) can orange soda (e.g., Sunkist or Fanta)
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra brightness)

Optional garnish:

Orange zest curls
Candied orange slices
Sprinkles

Instructions

Bake cake: Prepare cake batter as directed on box. Pour into a greased 9×13″ pan. Bake as directed; cool 10 minutes.
Poke holes: Use handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over warm cake (about ½” apart).
Make syrup: In a bowl, whisk orange soda, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly pour evenly over cake, letting it soak in. Cool completely.
Make frosting: Fold whipped topping and dry vanilla pudding mix together until thickened. Stir in orange zest if using.
Frost & chill: Spread frosting over cooled cake. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish with zest or sprinkles just before serving.

💡 Pro Tips:
– For tangier flavor, use half orange juice + half soda in the syrup.
– Make it boozy: Add 2 tbsp orange liqueur (like Triple Sec) to the syrup.
– Store covered in fridge up to 3 days—it gets more flavorful overnight!

Prep Time & Nutrition (per slice, serves 12):