Orange Poke Cake with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a bright, moist, and flavorful dessert, this orange poke cake with honey-orange glaze recipe is just what you need. Bursting with citrusy goodness and a touch of natural sweetness from honey, this cake is perfect for any occasion — from family dinners to summer parties.

The beauty of a poke cake lies in how it soaks up all the delicious glaze you pour over it, making every bite juicy and irresistible. This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients and is guaranteed to impress. In this post, you’ll find the full recipe, helpful tips, variations, and answers to common questions so you can bake with confidence.

Ingredients You Need

For the Orange Poke Cake

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix (or make from scratch if you prefer)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  PIN IT

For the Honey-Orange Glaze

• ½ cup (120ml) honey
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes

• Whipped cream
• Fresh orange slices
• Mint leaves

Tools You’ll Need

✅ 9×13-inch baking pan
✅ Mixing bowls
✅ Electric mixer or whisk
✅ Skewer or fork (for poking)
✅ Small saucepan (for glaze)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Make the Cake

Step 2: Mix the Batter

• In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla.
• Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth.

Step 3: Bake

• Pour batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool slightly for about 10 minutes.

Make the Honey-Orange Glaze

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

• In a small saucepan, combine honey, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt.
• Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves.
• Remove from heat.

Poke and Glaze

Step 5: Poke the Cake

• Using a skewer or the tines of a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake.
• Make sure the holes go deep to allow the glaze to seep through.

Step 6: Pour the Glaze

• Slowly pour the warm honey-orange glaze evenly over the cake.
• Allow the cake to soak for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Garnish and Serve

Step 7: Decorate

• Top with whipped cream, fresh orange slices, or mint leaves if desired.
• Slice and enjoy warm or chilled.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Oranges

Freshly squeezed juice and zest make a big difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.

Warm Cake, Warm Glaze

Pour the glaze while both the cake and glaze are still warm so it soaks in properly.

Poke Enough Holes

The more evenly distributed the holes, the more flavorful and moist your cake will be.

Chill for Best Texture

This cake tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

Why Choose a Poke Cake?

Moist and Flavorful

The glaze seeps into the holes, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.

Easy to Make

With simple steps and ingredients, it’s great even for beginners.

Customizable

You can switch up the flavors of the cake or glaze easily to suit your taste.

Variations to Try

Citrus Twist

Use a mix of orange and lemon juice in the glaze for a tangy punch.

Nutty Topping

Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds over the glaze for crunch.

Frosted Version

Frost with cream cheese or vanilla frosting after glazing for extra richness.

Cupcakes

Bake the batter in cupcake liners and drizzle glaze over individual cupcakes.

Serving Suggestions

For Parties

This bright and beautiful cake makes a perfect centerpiece for summer parties or brunch.

Everyday Dessert

It’s easy enough to whip up on a weekday when you want something sweet.

With Tea or Coffee

A slice of this cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Storage Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days for a chilled treat.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not poking enough holes — the glaze won’t penetrate properly.
Pouring glaze over a completely cooled cake — it won’t absorb as well.
Using bottled juice — fresh juice and zest give the best flavor.
Overbaking — check a few minutes early to keep it moist.

FAQs

Why is it called a poke cake?

It’s called a poke cake because you poke holes into the cake after baking so it can absorb a glaze, pudding, or sauce, making it extra moist and flavorful.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

You can, but fresh orange juice and zest deliver a much brighter, fresher taste.

Do I have to use honey?

Honey adds a lovely natural sweetness and richness, but you can substitute with maple syrup or simple syrup if needed.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can make it a day ahead and keep it chilled until ready to serve. In fact, it tastes even better the next day.

Can I make it from scratch without cake mix?

Absolutely. You can use your favorite scratch-made vanilla or yellow cake recipe as the base and follow the same steps.

Related Recipes

• Easy Freezer Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
• Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole – Easy & Delicious Bake
• Ultimate Black Magic Cake Recipe

Final Thoughts

This orange poke cake with honey-orange glaze recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The citrusy orange combined with sweet honey creates a refreshing and irresistible flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family gathering, or just to brighten up your day, this cake is sure to impress.

So grab your oranges, mix up the batter, and enjoy the process of baking a cake that’s bursting with sunshine and sweetness. Every bite is a reminder of how simple and satisfying homemade desserts can be!

If you’d like, I can also help you create a printable recipe card, a shopping list, or even alternative flavor ideas. Just let me know! 🌟