Skinny Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

A couple of days ago, I had to go to the local natural foods store to get some more eucalyptus essential oil. The local natural foods store is like Whole Foods but smaller and more expensive, so I actually am not sure why I go there. But I digress.

I was at the natural foods store minding my own business as I huffed essential oils when all of a sudden, this woman who worked there emerged from within the quinoa and split pea flour wearing belted cargo bermuda shorts, thick white ankle socks, hiking boots, and a purple polo shirt. A fanny-pack completed the entire look, and I only wish I were joking.

Most of the time, I try to abide by the old commandment, “thou shall not judge others by the nature of their hideous clothing”, but sometimes I have to make exceptions when it is so strange. This was one of those exceptions.

Not only did she look like she was going on some Indiana Jones exploration, but after clomping around in her hiking boots and swiftly removing misplaced items from the shelves, I realized she was basically a workplace adventurer. You know, the kind of people who tackle the day with purple polos and fanny packs.

It was then that I got the impression she ran the place because she began bossing another employee around and then went to the back for a second. The music went low for a minute and suddenly, she emerged again right as – and I swear I am NOT kidding you – the Jurassic Park theme music came on. I kid you not. This time, she stood facing the aisles of vitamins, probiotics, kefir drinks and assorted bean flours with her hands on her hips as the majestic dinosaur music blasted over the speakers. The other employee kind of looked bored and despondent like she sees this all the time and Purple Polo Explorer just looked invigorated and ready to conquer the misplaced tofu dogs with valor.

And I just stood there, snorting eucalyptus oil, thinking what the eff did I just witness?

And then I came home and ironically, Jurassic Park III was on TV and I had to watch it since Purple Polo Explorer lady totally got that majestic dinosaur music in my head. And then I made Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake because I’m sure that’s what the dinosaurs would have wanted.

This poke cake is a skinny version compared to the regular poke cakes of the past. It’s lighter on fat and calories which means you can enjoy more of it; something required when you have to conquer the jungle of Jurassic Park… or the natural foods store. And it’s bursting with refreshing orange creamsicle flavor, a favorite for spring and summer.

Are you ready to take on the day? *cue dinosaur music*

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Skinny Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

This Skinny Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is a dream come true! Citrusy and bright with sweet cream flavor, it's impossible to resist!

Prep Time8 hrs

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time8 hrs 30 mins

Course: Cakes/Cupcakes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 15

Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel

Ingredients

• 1 box orange cake mix or yellow if you can't find orange
• 1 cup low-calorie orange juice
• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• Zest of one orange
• 2 (6 oz) containers light orange cream yogurt
• 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip Free, thawed

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease a 13x9" baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, OJ, egg whites, orange zest, and applesauce together with a handheld electric mixer for about 2 minutes or until completely combined and smooth. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
• Bake for approx. 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Cool completely.
• Poke holes over the entire cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or something smaller, such as a kebab. Spread the yogurt evenly over the surface of the cake, trying to get the yogurt into the holes as much as possible. Top with an even layer of the Cool Whip. Refrigerate for at LEAST 3 hours or until set, preferably allowing time to set overnight (the flavors are better this way!). Cut into squares and serve.

I know it’s an overnight cake, but it’s seriously worth all the waiting! It’s so citrusy, zesty and flavorful, bursting with fresh orange flavor and sweet cream. You won’t be able to tell it’s lightened-up since it’s SO delicious! You won’t be able to resist a (second, or third) slice of this beauty. 🙂

Have a super sweet day!

xo, Hayley