Orange Poke Cake with Honey-Orange Glaze Recipe

This Orange Poke Cake with Honey-Orange Glaze is the kind of dessert that just radiates sunshine. It’s bright, moist, citrusy, and beautifully simple to make — the perfect treat when you’re short on time but still want something that feels a bit special. Each bite is packed with zesty orange flavor and soaked with a luscious honey-orange glaze that makes the cake irresistibly tender and flavorful. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dessert or need a sweet finale for brunch, this cake has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• So Easy to Make: This is a semi-homemade dessert using simple ingredients and zero complicated techniques. Just bake, poke, pour, and chill!
• Bursting with Citrus Flavor: Thanks to both orange juice and zest, every bite of this cake delivers a bright and tangy punch that feels so refreshing.
• Super Moist Texture: The poke method ensures the honey-orange glaze seeps deep into the cake, creating a texture that’s soft, moist, and incredibly satisfying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s casual enough for a weeknight but pretty enough to serve at baby showers, brunches, or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this cake so magical:

• Yellow Cake Mix: A reliable shortcut that forms the base of the cake and pairs beautifully with citrus flavors. Feel free to use a homemade yellow cake if you’re up for it.
• Orange Juice: Used both in the cake and the glaze, it gives that vibrant citrus flavor. Fresh-squeezed is ideal, but store-bought works just fine.
• Orange Zest: Adds a deep, fragrant note that enhances the orange flavor without extra liquid. Don’t skip this — it brings the cake to life.
• Eggs and Oil: Essential for binding the cake and giving it richness. Use neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola.
• Honey: The star of the glaze — it brings a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with orange. Use a good quality honey for best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Thickens the glaze and adds sweetness without overpowering the citrus and honey.
• Butter: A bit of melted butter in the glaze adds richness and helps it soak into the cake better.

Variations

Want to change it up? Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

• Citrus Twist: Swap orange juice for lemon or lime juice for a tarter version. A lemon poke cake with honey glaze? Yes, please.
• Add Texture: Top the finished cake with toasted coconut flakes, chopped pistachios, or candied orange peel.
• Use a Different Cake Base: A white cake mix or angel food cake works beautifully if you want a lighter flavor.
• Frosting Option: If glaze isn’t your thing, try topping the cake with whipped cream or a light cream cheese frosting instead.

How to Make Orange Poke Cake with Honey-Orange Glaze

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, but substitute water with orange juice for extra citrus flavor. Stir in orange zest, then bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan until golden and set. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw to poke holes all over the surface. Don’t be shy — the more holes, the better the glaze soaks in!

Step 3: Make the Honey-Orange Glaze

In a saucepan, combine honey, orange juice, orange zest, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Heat gently and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Pour the Glaze

Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Tilt the pan gently if needed to ensure even coverage.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the glaze to fully soak in. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Zest Before Juicing: It’s much easier to zest a whole orange than a squeezed one. Zest first, then juice.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Letting the cake rest in the fridge helps the glaze absorb properly and enhances the flavor.
• Warm the Glaze Gently: Avoid boiling it — just heat enough to melt everything together and get a pourable consistency.
• Use a Spouted Cup: For pouring the glaze into the holes more accurately, a measuring cup with a spout gives you better control.

How to Serve

This cake is lovely just as it is, but here are some delicious ways to serve it:

Simple Garnish:

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top just before serving, or garnish with orange slices and a few mint leaves for a pop of color.

Add a Scoop:

Serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert.

Pair with Tea:

It’s fantastic with a cup of hot Earl Grey or an iced green tea — the flavors balance beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (unglazed or glazed) in slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating needed! Just let a cold slice sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving if desired.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely. Fresh orange juice adds brightness, but any 100% orange juice will do just fine in both the cake and the glaze.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake after glazing?
Yes. Refrigerating the cake allows the glaze to set properly and helps it develop that rich, moist texture you want in a poke cake.

What kind of honey works best for this glaze?
Mild-flavored honey is best — something floral like clover or orange blossom complements the citrus without overpowering it.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Poke Cake with Honey-Orange Glaze is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t ask much from you in the kitchen — a total win. So grab some oranges, fire up the oven, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite citrus dessert!

Print