Orange Creamsicle Cake

This easy Orange Creamsicle Cake is perfect for summer gatherings, bringing a delightful burst of citrus flavor to your dessert table. With its moist vanilla base soaked in orange goodness and topped with a light, fluffy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit at any occasion. Whether it’s a picnic, birthday party, or just a warm day at home, the Orange Creamsicle Cake will transport you back to sunny days and sweet memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of orange and vanilla creates a refreshing taste that is perfect for warm weather.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is quick enough for any baker.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serves 24 people, making it an ideal choice for parties and celebrations.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it as a cake or dress it up with extra toppings like fruit or chocolate drizzle.
• No Baking Skills Required: Even novice bakers can whip this up effortlessly using a cake mix.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining wet ingredients and ensuring the batter is smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavor and texture.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
• 3 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup milk (or vanilla almondmilk)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Poke Filling

• 3.4 ounces orange JELLO
• 1 ¼ cup boiling water
• ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice

For Topping

• 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
• 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
• 8 ounces Cool Whip

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest.
1. Use a whisk to blend until smooth.
2. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Create Poke Holes

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
1. Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
2. This will allow the filling to soak into every bite!

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In another bowl, dissolve orange JELLO in boiling water.
1. Stir well until fully dissolved.
2. Add fresh squeezed orange juice and mix well.

Step 6: Add Filling to Cake

Pour the JELLO mixture evenly over the poked cake while it’s still warm.
Allow it to cool completely so that it can absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 7: Top with Frosting

In another bowl, combine vanilla instant pudding mix with Cool Whip until smooth.
Spread this creamy layer over your cooled cake evenly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with mandarin oranges from the can (do not drain).
Refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake

Serving the Orange Creamsicle Cake can enhance its appeal at any gathering. This cake’s vibrant orange flavor and creamy frosting make it a delightful treat that everyone will love.

For a Summer Picnic

• Slice and Enjoy: Serve chilled slices on picnic plates for easy handling.
• Fruit Garnish: Add fresh orange slices or berries on top for a colorful presentation.

As a Birthday Cake

• Layered Delight: Decorate with extra Cool Whip and mandarin oranges for a festive touch.
• Themed Decorations: Use orange candles or themed cake toppers to match the celebration.

With Ice Cream

• Ala Mode Treat: Serve warm slices of the cake topped with a scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet ice cream.
• Drizzle Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

For Afternoon Tea

• Tea Pairing: Serve alongside herbal teas like chamomile or citrus blends for a refreshing experience.
• Mini Slices: Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized portions that are perfect for sharing.

How to Perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Orange Creamsicle Cake, follow these helpful tips.

• bold Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• bold Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and airy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• bold Allow Proper Cooling Time: Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
• bold Experiment with Zest: Adjust the amount of orange zest based on your preference for an intense citrus flavor.
• bold Store Correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to five days.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Creamsicle Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Creamsicle Cake can create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. bold Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the cake’s flavors.
2. bold Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that matches well with dessert.
3. bold Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut treats create a nice contrast with the soft texture of the cake.
4. bold Citrus Spinach Salad: A light salad featuring spinach, oranges, and nuts brings out the citrus notes in the cake.
5. bold Grilled Chicken Skewers: Savory skewers provide protein while balancing the sweetness of your dessert.
6. bold Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages enhance your summer gathering, pairing perfectly with this sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Orange Creamsicle Cake is easy, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the zest: Not adding orange zest can lead to a lack of vibrant flavor. Always include this for an extra citrus punch.

• Not using room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can affect the cake’s texture. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.

• Overmixing the batter: This can make your cake dense instead of fluffy. Mix just until combined for a light and airy cake.

• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting the cake too early can ruin its structure. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.

• Using stale ingredients: Check expiration dates on baking supplies like cake mix and JELLO. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Orange Creamsicle Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.

Freezing Orange Creamsicle Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to serve.

Reheating Orange Creamsicle Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Orange Creamsicle Cake?

An Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful dessert that combines vanilla and orange flavors, reminiscent of the classic ice cream treat.

Can I use homemade cake mix?

Yes, you can! Homemade cake mix will work well, but ensure it has similar proportions as store-bought mixes for best results.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make an Orange Creamsicle Cake gluten-free, simply substitute the vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free blend and follow other instructions as is.

What can I add to customize my Orange Creamsicle Cake?

You may add chocolate chips, nuts, or different citrus flavors like lemon or lime zest for a unique twist!

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready!

Final Thoughts

This easy Orange Creamsicle Cake is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for something sweet and refreshing. Its vibrant flavors and light texture make it versatile enough to customize with your favorite additions. Try this recipe today and delight your family and friends with this delightful dessert!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Orange Creamsicle Cake

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: Serves 24 slices

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Description

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a must-try dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its vibrant citrus flavors. The moist vanilla cake is infused with refreshing orange goodness, making it a delightful addition to any gathering. Topped with a light and fluffy frosting, this cake is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that serves up to 24 people. Ideal for picnics, birthday parties, or simply enjoying on a warm day at home, this cake will revive sweet memories of sunny days. Simple enough for novice bakers yet impressive enough to wow your guests, the Orange Creamsicle Cake is a refreshing treat everyone will love.

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Ingredients

• Vanilla cake mix
• Eggs
• Milk (or vanilla almond milk)
• Vegetable oil
• Orange zest
• Orange JELLO
• Fresh squeezed orange juice
• Mandarin oranges (canned)
• Vanilla instant pudding mix
• Cool Whip

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. Bake for 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top.
5. Dissolve orange JELLO in boiling water and mix in fresh orange juice. Pour over the poked cake while warm.
6. Allow it to cool completely before topping with a mixture of vanilla pudding and Cool Whip.
7. Garnish with mandarin oranges and refrigerate before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg