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If you’ve ever longed to capture the nostalgic joy of a classic orange creamsicle in cake form, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with bright citrus notes, tender vanilla cake layers, and a luscious, creamy frosting studded with mandarin oranges, this dessert perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with an irresistibly fluffy texture. It’s bright, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make, promising a lively celebration of sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for this cake not only makes the process approachable but also ensures each element shines through in flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays a role—from the citrusy brightness of fresh orange zest and juice to the creamy smoothness of the pudding and Cool Whip blend that blankets the cake.
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix: The foundation of our moist and light cake base with subtle vanilla notes.
- 3 eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup milk (or vanilla almond milk): Adds moisture and can be swapped for a dairy-free option if needed.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake super moist and soft.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Infuses fresh citrus aroma and enhances the orange flavor naturally.
- 3.4 ounces orange JELLO: Creates a shimmering, fruity glaze that seeps into the cake through holes for extra flavor.
- 1 ¼ cup boiling water: Activates the JELLO crystals to dissolve perfectly.
- â…“ cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Adds authentic citrus tang, boosting the creamsicle vibe.
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain): Brings juicy bursts of sweetness and texture to the frosting.
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix: Thickens and flavors the luscious frosting layer.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip: Lightweight and airy, it balances the pudding for that creamy finish.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cake Base
Start by preparing the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions, but swap out the water for milk or vanilla almond milk to add extra creaminess. Don’t forget to fold in the fresh orange zest—it elevates the cake’s flavor with a zesty lift. Pour the batter into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan and bake as directed. When it’s done baking, let the cake cool on a rack for about 10 minutes; this resting step ensures the cake firms up just enough before we add our next layer of deliciousness.
Step 2: Poke and Pour the Orange JELLO Mixture
Use a skewer or fork to gently poke holes across the warm cake. This is the secret to letting the orange JELLO soak deeply into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful. In a heatproof bowl, whisk the orange JELLO mix with boiling water until completely dissolved, then stir in the fresh orange juice. Slowly and carefully pour this tantalizing liquid evenly over the cake’s surface, letting it seep through those holes and infuse every bite with citrus sweetness. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours to let it set beautifully.
Step 3: Whip Up the Mandarin Orange Frosting
While the cake rests, combine the mandarin oranges (undrained) with the vanilla instant pudding mix and beat until well incorporated. This creates a creamy, citrusy mixture that’s bursting with fruity freshness. Next, gently fold in the Cool Whip to lighten the frosting. Once the cake is fully cooled and the JELLO has set, spread this luscious frosting over the top. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting firm and flavors meld together perfectly.
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe look as delightful as it tastes, consider adding a few extra touches before serving. Fresh orange slices or additional mandarin segments arranged on top bring a vibrant pop of color and texture. A light dusting of orange zest or a sprinkle of edible white sanding sugar can add sparkle and enhance the citrus scent, making each slice a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
Side Dishes
When serving this cake, keep your sides light and complementary to the citrus emphasis. A simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea with citrus notes pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweetness. For a party spread, fresh fruit salad or creamy vanilla ice cream are delightful companions that elevate the creamy tang of the Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests beyond the usual cake slice, try individual parfait glasses layering cake cubes, mandarin orange pieces, and dollops of the creamy frosting. Another fun idea is to transform this cake into bite-sized trifle cups or festive mini cakes with whipped cream and orange zest on top. No matter how you present it, this cake’s lively combination of vanilla and orange flavors shines just as brightly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more! Plan to enjoy your slice within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freezing is an option if you want to make this dessert well in advance. Wrap the cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note that the texture of the Cool Whip frosting might shift slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain deliciously intact.
Reheating
Because this cake is mostly served chilled with a delicate creamy frosting, reheating isn’t recommended. The best way to enjoy it is fresh from the fridge or at room temperature if you prefer it a little less cold. If you want to warm the cake base separately, set aside a few slices before frosting and gently warm them, then add frosting at serving time.
FAQs
Can I use regular JELLO instead of orange?
Orange JELLO is key to capturing that authentic creamsicle flavor in this recipe, so it’s best not to substitute it. Different JELLO flavors will change the overall taste, and the citrus note is central to the charm of this cake.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for the cake batter, and swap Cool Whip for a dairy-free whipped topping. Just be mindful to check that your pudding mix and JELLO are also free from dairy ingredients.
Can I make this cake without a boxed mix?
While the recipe is designed to be simple with a box mix, you can use homemade vanilla cake if you prefer. Just add orange zest to your batter and adjust liquid quantities accordingly to achieve a tender crumb before following the rest of the steps.
How long does the cake need to chill?
The cake needs at least three hours in the fridge after pouring the JELLO mixture to let it absorb and set properly. After frosting, an additional 30 minutes chilling helps the frosting firm up perfectly. Overnight chilling will deepen the flavors even more.
Can I use canned orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh squeezed orange juice provides the brightest, freshest flavor and acidity that makes the cake sing. Canned juice may work in a pinch but can be sweeter or less vibrant, altering the final taste slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and uniquely delightful, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is a total winner. Its perfect harmony of fluffy vanilla cake, citrusy soaked layers, and creamy mandarin frosting makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that burst of sunshine in every bite—it’s truly one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
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Print
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 38 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful, refreshing dessert that combines a moist vanilla cake infused with fresh orange zest and vibrant orange JELLO, layered with a creamy mandarin orange frosting made from instant pudding and Cool Whip. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this cake offers the nostalgic flavor of a classic creamsicle in a soft, spongy cake form.
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (or vanilla almondmilk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Orange JELLO Layer
- 3.4 ounces orange JELLO
- 1 ¼ cup boiling water
- â…“ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Mandarin Orange Frosting
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare Vanilla Cake: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix package. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions for a 9 x 13 inch pan, substituting the water with milk or vanilla almondmilk and adding the orange zest to the batter for a citrusy kick.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake following the package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for approximately 10 minutes.
- Poke Cake Holes: Using a skewer or fork, poke holes evenly over the entire surface of the warm cake. This will allow the orange JELLO mixture to seep through and flavor the cake.
- Prepare Orange JELLO Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, gradually whisk the orange JELLO powder into the boiling water until fully dissolved. Stir in the fresh squeezed orange juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
- Soak Cake with JELLO: Slowly and carefully pour the orange JELLO mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. This step infuses the cake with vibrant orange flavor and moisture. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to set the JELLO layer.
- Make Mandarin Orange Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the mandarin oranges (with juice) together with the vanilla instant pudding mix until well combined.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the Cool Whip or whipped cream into the mandarin orange and pudding mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light, creamy frosting.
- Frost Cake: Spread the mandarin orange frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
- Chill Before Serving: Return the frosted cake to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld and frosting to set.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better cake texture and rise.
- Do not drain the mandarin oranges to retain the juiciness in the frosting.
- Substituting vanilla almondmilk for milk can add a subtle nutty flavor and make the cake dairy-free (if Cool Whip is dairy-free).
- Poking holes in the cake before pouring the JELLO mixture allows for deeper flavor infusion and moistness.
- Chilling the cake after adding the JELLO and frosting is essential for the best texture and flavor.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the cake batter or frosting.
