MAKES 1 (12-CUP) BUNDT CAKE
A luxurious sip of Grand Marnier, that special blend of cognac and oranges, may be a delicious escape on a busy day. You might think of using this wonderful liqueur in a signature cocktail or enjoy an elegant drink after dinner. For the scrumptious Orange Liqueur Poke Cake, drizzle that famous orange liqueur over a Bundt cake.
Nonstick baking spray with flour
1 (15.25- to 18-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained, syrup reserved
4 large eggs
½ cup canola or vegetable oil
¼ cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
GRAND MARNIER GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.
In a large bowl using a handheld mixer on low speed, beat together the cake mix, pudding mix, mandarin oranges, eggs, oil, and ¼ cup of the reserved mandarin orange syrup. Scrape down the sides of the bowl well and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. (Discard any remaining orange syrup.)
Bake for 37 to 42 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Place the cake on a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.
Using a skewer, poke holes evenly over the surface of the cake before removing it from the pan. Drizzle the Grand Marnier over the cake, allowing it to soak into the cake. Let cool for 15 minutes.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to make cleanup easy). Place a wire rack on the foil-lined baking sheet. Invert the cake onto the wire rack and remove the pan. Poke holes evenly over the top of the cake using a skewer.
MAKE THE GRAND MARNIER GLAZE: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon of the Grand Marnier. If a thinner glaze is desired, blend in the remaining 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier.
Drizzle the glaze over the cake. Let cool completely.
Carefully move the cake to a cake plate and serve.