Orange Creamsicle Cake

Orange Creamsicle Cake is a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. With a moist vanilla cake soaked in a burst of orange flavor and topped with a fluffy, sweet orange-vanilla frosting, this cake delivers a nostalgic creamsicle flavor in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that will wow your family and friends at any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is the perfect combination of citrusy freshness and creamy sweetness. The cake is infused with orange flavor, making it vibrant and refreshing, while the fluffy, light frosting takes it to another level. It’s a simple, no-fuss cake that looks and tastes like you spent hours making it—perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a special family treat.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix

• 3 eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup milk (or vanilla almond milk)

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• 3.4 ounces orange JELLO

• 1 ¼ cups boiling water

• ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice

For the Frosting:

• 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)

• 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix

• 8 ounces Cool Whip (or whipped cream)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the cake mix according to the package directions for a 9×13-inch baking pan. Substitute the water with milk (or vanilla almond milk) and add orange zest to the batter for extra flavor.

2. Bake according to the package instructions. Once baked, let the cake cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.

Poke the Cake:

3. After the cake has cooled slightly, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.

Prepare the JELLO Mixture:

4. In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the orange JELLO in the boiling water, whisking until fully dissolved.

5. Stir in the fresh orange juice, mixing well.

Pour the JELLO Mixture:

6. Slowly and carefully pour the JELLO mixture over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes you poked.

Refrigerate the Cake:

7. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to allow it to set and absorb the JELLO mixture.

Make the Frosting:

8. In a bowl, beat together the mandarin oranges (with juice) and the vanilla pudding mix until smooth and well combined.

9. Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or whipped cream) until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy frosting.

Frost the Cake:

10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, covering it completely.

Chill Before Serving:

11. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Serve & Enjoy:

12. Serve the cake chilled and enjoy the delightful, creamy, and citrusy flavors of this perfect summer dessert!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 24 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 28 minutes

• Total Time: 38 minutes

• Calories per serving: 172 kcal

Variations

• Fruit variations: Add other fruits like strawberries or peaches to the frosting for a different twist. You can also mix in additional mandarin oranges or even some pineapple.

• Make it a poke cake: For a deeper orange flavor, poke even more holes and pour a bit more JELLO mixture in, giving it an extra juicy bite.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Lighter option: Use light Cool Whip or whipped cream and sugar-free JELLO for a lighter version of this dessert.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply serve it cold directly from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade vanilla cake mix instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use a homemade vanilla cake recipe if you prefer, but the store-bought cake mix makes this dessert super quick and easy.

2. Can I use a different flavor of JELLO?

While the orange flavor complements the theme of the cake, you can experiment with other JELLO flavors, such as lemon or lime, for a unique twist.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. It will be ready to serve the next day!

4. Can I make this cake with dairy-free options?

Yes, substitute the milk with any dairy-free alternative (like almond milk or oat milk), and use dairy-free whipped topping if needed.

5. How do I know when the cake is done?

Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to ensure it stays moist.

6. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

7. Can I add more orange flavor to the cake?

You can enhance the orange flavor by adding more orange zest or a splash of orange extract to the cake batter.

8. Can I use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip, though Cool Whip tends to hold its shape better.

9. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add a little more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of milk used.

10. Can I add nuts to the cake or frosting?

You can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the frosting or sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that brings together the best of citrus and creamy sweetness. With a moist cake soaked in orange JELLO and topped with a light and fluffy frosting, this cake is a showstopper for summer gatherings, brunches, or any occasion that calls for a delicious, citrus-infused treat. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and incredibly flavorful. Enjoy this irresistible dessert with family and friends!

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