Orange Creamsicle Cake

Name: Orange Creamsicle Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix; 3 eggs (room temperature); 1 cup milk or vanilla almondmilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 3.4 ounces orange JELLO; 1 ¼ cup boiling water; ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice; 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain); 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix; 8 ounces Cool Whip

Author: Lora

Published: February 8, 2026

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Introduction to Orange Creamsicle Cake

As summer rolls in with its sun-drenched days, I can’t help but crave something refreshing and delightful. Enter my Orange Creamsicle Cake—a sweet homage to those childhood treats we all adored. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a little slice of nostalgia in your kitchen! Whether you’re juggling kids, work, or just life, this recipe serves up a quick and easy solution. It’s perfect for family gatherings or an afternoon pick-me-up. Imagine your loved ones savoring a slice, smiles painted on their faces. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist just one piece!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Creamsicle Cake

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a breeze to whip up, even on the busiest of days. With just a few simple ingredients and less than an hour of baking time, you can create a heavenly dessert that captures the essence of summer. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with zesty orange flavor! Perfect for impressing guests or treating your family, this cake adds a refreshing twist to any occasion.

Ingredients for Orange Creamsicle Cake

Let’s gather our flavorful friends for this vibrant Orange Creamsicle Cake! Here’s what you’ll need:

Vanilla cake mix: The star of the cake, providing a soft and sweet base.
Eggs: Three room-temperature eggs help give the cake its structure and moisture.
Milk or vanilla almond milk: Substituting regular milk here adds a creamier texture. Almond milk offers a hint of nuttiness.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender. You can even use melted coconut oil for a tropical twist!
Orange zest: This little powerhouse enhances the cake’s citrusy aroma—fresh zest works best.
Orange JELLO: It adds a burst of color and flavor. Feel free to try different flavors if you’re feeling adventurous!

Boiling water: Essential for dissolving the JELLO thoroughly—don’t skip this step!
Fresh squeezed orange juice: A must for that bright, tangy kick that reminds us of summer.
Mandarin oranges: These are the cherry on top, quite literally. They add texture and sweetness on top of the cake.

Vanilla instant pudding mix: This brings an additional layer of creaminess and flavor.
Cool Whip: Light, airy, and easy to spread, this adds a delightful finish. You can swap it for homemade whipped cream if you prefer!

Check out the bottom of the article for exact quantities. You’ll have this versatile list ready for printing in no time!

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the magical process of creating this delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake! I promise it’s easy! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cake worthy of summer celebrations.

Prepare the Cake Batter

First things first, grab that vanilla cake mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, milk (or almond milk), vegetable oil, and that zesty orange zest.

Mix until everything is well combined. It should be smooth and slightly fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but a whisk and some elbow grease work just as well!

Bake the Cake

Next, pour that luscious batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake according to the package directions, usually around 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Once it’s baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 10 minutes. This is the perfect time to prepare for the magic to come!

Prepare the JELLO Mixture

While the cake cools, let’s tackle that vibrant JELLO! In a heatproof bowl, add the orange JELLO mix and slowly whisk in the boiling water. Stir until it’s completely dissolved.

Next, gently stir in the fresh squeezed orange juice. The combination of flavors here is just heavenly! Don’t you love the smell?

Pour and Chill

Now comes the fun part—poke holes in the top of your cooled cake using a skewer or fork. This is crucial; it lets the JELLO seep in and makes the cake ultra moist.

Carefully and slowly pour the JELLO mixture over the top. Pop the cake into the refrigerator and let it set for at least 3 hours. This chilling time allows the flavor to meld together beautifully.

Make the Frosting

Once your cake has chilled, it’s time to make that creamy frosting! In a clean bowl, beat together the mandarin oranges and vanilla pudding mix until combined.

Then, gently fold in the Cool Whip until it’s all blissfully blended. This is your sunshine-in-a-bowl moment!

Frost the Cake and Chill Again

Finally, spread this luscious frosting over your chilled cake. Make sure to cover it evenly for a picture-perfect finish.

Pop it back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This extra chill helps set everything in place.

And voila! Your Orange Creamsicle Cake is ready to wow family and friends!

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature eggs for a better dough consistency.

Make sure to whisk the JELLO thoroughly to avoid lumps.
For a stronger orange flavor, consider adding extra orange zest.
If short on time, use pre-made Cool Whip for easy frosting.

Chill the cake longer if you want it to set properly—it’s worth the wait!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining your batter. A medium bowl works too!
Electric mixer: For effortless mixing. You can also use a whisk if you prefer a workout!

9 x 13 inch baking pan: Essential for the cake. A round pan can be used, but adjust baking time.
Skewer or fork: Perfect for poking holes in the cake. A toothpick will do just fine!
Heatproof bowl: Needed for mixing the JELLO. Any sturdy bowl will suffice.

Variations of Orange Creamsicle Cake

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix for a suitable alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Boost the Citrus: Add lemon or lime zest along with the orange zest for a citrus medley that sings summer!
Healthier Frosting: Swap Cool Whip for Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey for a lighter topping.

Layered Cake: Make this a stunning layered cake by baking in two round pans and adding filling between layers.
Chocolate Twist: Mix chocolate chips into the cake batter for a surprising flavor combination that adds depth!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Orange Creamsicle Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.

Serve with fresh berries to add a burst of color and flavor.
For drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the cake beautifully.
Garnish with additional mandarin orange slices for a stunning presentation.

FAQs about Orange Creamsicle Cake

Can I make Orange Creamsicle Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for prep. Make it one day in advance and store it in the fridge. It will taste even better as the flavors meld together!

How should I store leftover cake?
Keep your leftover Orange Creamsicle Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Trust me; it won’t last long!

Can I use other flavors of JELLO?
Yes! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using strawberry or lime JELLO for a fruity twist. It’s all about experimenting with flavors!

Is there a way to make this cake healthier?
You can definitely lighten up this Orange Creamsicle Cake! Use a sugar-free cake mix, and swap out the Cool Whip for Greek yogurt. It’ll still be delicious!

What occasions is this cake ideal for?
This cake shines at summer gatherings, birthday parties, or even just a sunny afternoon treat. Its vibrant flavor attracts everyone!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about baking an Orange Creamsicle Cake. Each step pulls you back to carefree summer days with laughter and memories. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it embodies warmth, connection, and a sense of nostalgia. It effortlessly brings family and friends together, turning a simple gathering into a delightful celebration. The vibrant flavors tantalize your taste buds while the creamy frosting is the cherry on top of this summer dream. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this adventure—your taste buds will thank you later with every taste of this delightful treat!