Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

If ever you need a showstopper dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser, you absolutely can’t go wrong with this Orange Creamsicle Cake. Bright, cheerful, and bursting with nostalgia, it captures all the dreamy flavors of a creamsicle in every blissfully moist bite. The sunny layers of vanilla cake, orange JELLO, and a fluffy mandarin-topped frosting combine the perfect balance of citrus and cream, making it the ultimate treat for summer gatherings or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, each one truly plays a starring role in this beautiful Orange Creamsicle Cake. Every component builds a layer of flavor or contributes to the light, creamy texture you’ll adore. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Vanilla cake mix: A classic foundation that keeps things quick without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs give your cake lift and tenderness for the best crumb.
• Milk or vanilla almondmilk: Replaces water for extra richness and ups the vanilla flavor, complementing the citrus beautifully.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures an irresistibly moist and tender cake that stays fresh longer.
• Orange zest: Adds pure, fresh citrus aroma and flavor that brings the whole cake to life.
• Orange JELLO: The secret to that eye-catching color and electric orange flavor that instantly transports you back to childhood treats.
• Boiling water: Dissolves the JELLO quickly and evenly, ensuring that signature poke cake effect.
• Fresh squeezed orange juice: Adds a natural tang to balance the sweetness and boosts the overall citrus profile.
• Mandarin oranges (canned): Don’t drain them! These add an incredible juiciness and texture to the dreamy frosting.
• Vanilla instant pudding mix: Thickens the frosting for that cloud-like finish, while amplifying the vanilla creaminess.
• Cool Whip: The magic ingredient for fluffy, easy frosting that’s sweet without being heavy—just like a true creamsicle.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cake

The adventure starts with mixing up your vanilla cake—swap out water for milk or almondmilk to notch up the flavor, and stir in that bright orange zest. This little tweak works wonders! Pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and bake as directed on your cake mix box. When your kitchen smells like vanilla and sunshine, you’ll know it’s just about ready. Let it cool for 10 minutes so it settles but still welcomes the next layer.

Step 2: Poke and Soak

Once slightly cooled, use a skewer to poke holes all across the cake, going about halfway down. This is what makes Orange Creamsicle Cake so special: every single bite ends up saturated with tangy orange goodness! In a heatproof bowl, dissolve your orange JELLO in boiling water until completely mixed, then stir in that freshly squeezed orange juice for brightness. Slowly and carefully pour this vibrant mixture over the entire cake, aiming to fill the holes. Pop the cake in the fridge for at least 3 hours so the flavors meld and the JELLO sets.

Step 3: Make the Mandarin Orange Frosting

For the most luscious, dreamy topping, beat together the canned mandarin oranges (liquid included) with the instant pudding mix until nicely combined. The pudding acts like a flavor anchor and thickener. Finally, gently fold in the Cool Whip—don’t rush this step! You want the frosting to stay light and airy, not deflated. This is your creamy finishing touch, so spread it generously over your fully chilled cake.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Once the frosting is beautifully swirled across the top, return the Orange Creamsicle Cake to the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting time ensures every layer is chilled, set, and ready to slice into pure creamsicle-inspired joy.

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your cake by topping it with additional mandarin orange slices, a flourish of fresh orange zest, or even a scattering of white chocolate curls for a little extra elegance. These simple touches make each slice look irresistible and give a dazzling pop of color at your table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Orange Creamsicle Cake with a bowl of summer berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate seasonal dessert spread. The cool, creamy cake works wonderfully after a spicy barbecue or as a sweet note at a brunch buffet.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cake into grab-and-go desserts by cutting it into tidy bars and serving on cupcake liners, or layer cubes of cake and frosting in mini jars for adorable individual servings. Don’t be afraid to play with presentation—this cake shines at picnics, potlucks, and elegant parties alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover Orange Creamsicle Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cake, do so before adding the frosting. Wrap cooled, unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then whip up your frosting fresh for best results.

Reheating

This is one cake best enjoyed cold! For the ultimate creamy and refreshing experience, serve straight from the fridge. No reheating required—just slice, plate, and savor.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade vanilla cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake will work beautifully in this recipe. Just substitute your favorite 9 x 13-inch vanilla cake and follow the same steps for poking and soaking with JELLO and orange juice.

What if I can’t find orange JELLO?

If orange JELLO isn’t available, you can try using another orange-flavored gelatin brand or even make your own with gelatin and fresh orange juice, sweetened to taste. The key is that orange layer for that signature creamsicle vibe!

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes! Freshly whipped cream, sweetened to taste and stabilized with a bit of instant pudding, will make a delicious substitute for Cool Whip. Just fold it in gently so your frosting stays cloud-like.

Is Orange Creamsicle Cake gluten free?

By default, this recipe isn’t gluten free due to the cake mix. However, simply swap in your favorite gluten free vanilla cake mix to make this treat safe for gluten free friends and family.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Definitely! In fact, making Orange Creamsicle Cake ahead gives the JELLO even more time to soak in and the flavors to meld. Just keep it chilled and add garnishes right before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a chilled slice of Orange Creamsicle Cake—it’s creamy, sunny, and full of pure nostalgia. If you’re seeking a dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, give this recipe a try and share a little slice of summer with your favorite people.

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