If you love the bright, zesty flavors of citrus paired with a soft, moist cake, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Orange Jello Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe. It’s a delightful dessert that combines the ease of a classic cake mix with the vibrant, refreshing punch of real orange juice and Jello, creating a uniquely moist texture and a gorgeous golden hue. The luscious orange glaze on top ties everything together, making each bite a burst of sunshine. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself, this cake truly feels like a slice of joyful celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but every ingredient plays a crucial role in making the cake as flavorful and inviting as possible. From the white or yellow cake mix forming the fluffy base to the orange Jello bringing that distinctive fruity zing, each component is essential for the perfect taste, texture, and color.
- White or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The foundation of the cake, providing a light and crumbly texture that’s perfect to soak up the orange glaze.
- Orange Jello package (3 oz): Infuses the batter with intense citrus flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the cake.
- Vegetable oil (¾ cup): Ensures the cake stays wonderfully moist and tender.
- Water (¾ cup): Lightens the batter, balancing out the denser elements while adding moisture.
- Orange juice (½ cup for batter, 2 tbsp for glaze): Delivers fresh, natural orange flavor and enhances the glaze’s shine.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for the perfect finishing touch.
- Orange zest (1 tsp): Adds an extra punch of citrus aroma and brightness to the glaze.
How to Make Orange Jello Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is critical because it prevents the cake from sticking and helps in even baking. You can use butter or non-stick spray for greasing—both work beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the white or yellow cake mix and the dry orange Jello powder until evenly blended. This mix is where your cake’s signature orange flavor begins, so mixing well ensures every bite has that delightful citrus zip.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients into the Dry
Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and ½ cup of orange juice to the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened. This whipping step helps incorporate air, which will contribute to the cake’s light and fluffy crumb.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, keeping an eye out and testing with a toothpick; when it comes out clean, your cake is done. The kitchen will start to smell wonderfully fragrant with that citrus warmth.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Glaze
While your cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and the orange zest in a small bowl. This glaze will be poured over the warm cake, so having it ready ensures it soaks in beautifully and forms a glossy orange finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Create Poke Holes for the Glaze
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, gently poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer. This technique allows the glaze to seep directly into the cake, infusing every bite with that luscious orange flavor and keeping the cake incredibly moist.
Step 7: Apply the Orange Glaze
Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly across the cake, allowing it to drip into the holes you made earlier. The warm cake will absorb the glaze slowly, so don’t rush—this is the secret to that perfect balance of sweet and citrusy in each bite.
Step 8: Cool Completely and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving. This cooling step helps the glaze set and the flavors meld together, ensuring your Orange Jello Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe is at its absolute best.
How to Serve Orange Jello Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cake’s appearance and flavor, consider garnishing with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of additional orange zest on top. A few fresh mint leaves can add a lovely touch of color and a complementary herbal brightness. These simple garnishes make your dessert look extra special and boost its fresh citrus vibe.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance its tangy sweetness. For a fresher twist, a bowl of mixed berries or a fruit salad alongside will complement the citrus notes and add an extra layer of natural sweetness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try cutting the cake into small squares and serving them on decorative paper doilies or pretty dessert plates. Drizzle additional glaze on the plate for a professional touch, or top each slice with candied orange peel for a stunning visual and chewy burst of flavor. Presentation truly takes this cake from everyday to extraordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, cover any leftover Orange Jello Cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making for an easy treat to enjoy later without compromising texture or flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen slices can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This warms the cake without melting the glaze, bringing out the fresh orange aroma and making the texture even more tender.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of Jello instead of orange?
While orange Jello is essential for that signature citrus flavor in this Orange Jello Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe, you could experiment with flavors like lemon or pineapple. Just keep in mind that the end result will have a different taste and color, but it can be a fun twist to try!
Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake before adding the glaze?
Yes, poking holes allows the glaze to seep deep into the cake, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Skipping this step will result in the glaze mostly sitting on top, which changes the texture and impact of the cake.
Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a mix?
You certainly can, but using a box mix simplifies and speeds up the process without compromising the moist texture or citrus flavor. If making from scratch, just be sure to balance the flavors and moisture carefully to mimic this recipe’s delicious results.
What is the best way to zest an orange for the glaze?
The easiest way is with a microplane or fine grater, lightly scraping the outer skin of the orange without reaching into the bitter white pith. Fresh zest gives the glaze a bright and aromatic boost that pre-packaged zest can’t quite match.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor. Keep the amount the same, but remember that butter solidifies when cooled, so the cake texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Orange Jello Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe — it’s an irresistibly moist, flavorful cake that brings the brightness of citrus into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a cheerful homemade dessert, this cake is guaranteed to delight. So grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a sensational slice of sunshine in cake form!
Print
Orange Jello Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Orange Jello Cake featuring a moist white or yellow cake infused with vibrant orange Jello flavor and topped with a sweet orange glaze. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings and brightens up any occasion with its citrusy zest.
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: 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 ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and orange juice to the dry mixture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and blend everything for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth to create a glossy glaze.
- Cool and Poke Holes: After baking, let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top to allow the glaze to soak in deeply.
- Apply the Glaze: Drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes and infuse flavor throughout.
- Final Cooling and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for the best citrus flavor in both the batter and glaze.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or a mild olive oil if preferred.
- Ensure the cake is slightly warm when drizzling the glaze to help absorption but not too hot to melt the sugar.
- For a festive touch, garnish with orange slices or zest curls before serving.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
