This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a bright and tasty treat that reminds you of warm summer days. With layers of fluffy orange-flavored cake and creamy frosting, it’s sure to bring smiles!
I love how the cake has just the right mix of sweetness and fruitiness. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just because! Who doesn’t want cake all year round? 🍊🎂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake, giving it structure. If you want a homemade touch, you can substitute with your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe!
Orange-Flavored Instant Pudding Mix: This adds moisture and flavor. If you can’t find it, you could use vanilla pudding and fold in some orange zest for a hint of citrus.
Orange Soda: It adds a fun fizz. If you’re avoiding soda, consider using orange juice or a mix of orange juice and sparkling water for the bubbly effect.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip works great for ease, but homemade whipped cream is a lovely option too! Just whip some heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Orange Frosting: You can make your own orange-flavored frosting with butter, powdered sugar, and orange juice or zest. It might taste even better!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Cake Comes Out Moist and Fluffy?
Mixing the cake batter well is crucial! Start by combining your dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; overmixing can make your cake dense.
- Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly.
- Don’t skip the step of poking holes in the cooled cake; this allows the jello to seep in for extra moisture.
- Let it cool completely before adding any frosting to prevent melting.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required per package, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) orange-flavored instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup orange soda (or orange pop)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 can (12 oz) orange frosting
For Garnish:
- Orange jello or gummy candy
- Fresh mint leaves
- Optional: orange zest (for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time, along with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking. Then, you’ll want to let it chill for about an hour before serving, making the total time roughly 2 hours including cool down and chilling times. Perfect for a warm day or any dessert craving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to keep the cake from sticking once it’s baked.
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and orange-flavored pudding mix. Add in the milk, orange soda, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined—this should only take a couple of minutes.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven according to the package instructions, usually around 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
4. Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is an important step, so it doesn’t melt the toppings later on.
5. Prepare the Jello and Frosting:
Once the cake is fully cool, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Prepare the orange jello according to the package instructions and carefully pour it over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let the jello set for about 30 minutes.
6. Frost the Cake:
In a medium bowl, mix the whipped topping with the orange frosting until it’s well blended. Use a spatula to spread this delicious mixture evenly over the top of the cake after the jello has set. It’s going to look so good!
7. Garnish and Chill:
For a fun touch, place small pieces of orange jello or gummy candy on top. Add fresh mint leaves for color, and if you like, sprinkle some orange zest on top for that extra burst of flavor. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
8. Enjoy!
Once it’s chilled, cut the cake into squares and enjoy your refreshing, creamy Orange Creamsicle Cake! Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime!
Can I Substitute the Vanilla Cake Mix?
Absolutely! If you want to use a homemade vanilla cake recipe instead of a box mix, aim for a moist vanilla cake that closely matches the texture of a store-bought mix. Alternatively, you can use a lemon or other citrus-flavored cake mix for a different twist!
Can I Use Different Flavored Soda?
Yes, you can swap the orange soda for lemon-lime soda or even a citrus-flavored sparkling water for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of the cake but can still yield delicious results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake can dry out, so be sure to keep it covered. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free vanilla cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the pudding and any garnishes, are also gluten-free.
