This easy Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite! Perfect for birthday parties, barbecues, or just a sunny afternoon, this poke cake is not only visually appealing but also bursting with refreshing orange flavor. The fluffy orange and vanilla frosting makes this dessert irresistible, ensuring it will be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Orange Creamsicle Cake can be made in just under 40 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of orange zest and JELLO creates a vibrant taste that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a family gathering, this cake fits right in as the star dessert.
- Serve Chilled: This cake is best served cold, making it perfect for warm days.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily modify the recipe with different flavors of JELLO or toppings for variety.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Orange Creamsicle Cake, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl ensures you have enough space for all ingredients when preparing the cake batter.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps incorporate air into the mixture, yielding a lighter cake texture.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan allows for even baking and easy serving of the cake.
Ingredients
For the 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
- 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)
For the Frosting
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Prepare the Orange Filling
While the cake is baking, dissolve the orange JELLO in boiling water, stirring well. Add fresh squeezed orange juice and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Poke Holes in Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cake while it’s still warm.
Step 6: Pour JELLO Mixture
Pour the cooled JELLO mixture over the poked cake evenly. Allow it to absorb into the holes as it cools completely.
Step 7: Make Frosting
In another bowl, combine vanilla instant pudding mix with Cool Whip until well blended. Spread this fluffy frosting over cooled cake.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with mandarin oranges before serving if desired. Chill in refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting into squares to serve.
Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Orange Creamsicle Cake!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake
Serving Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful way to impress your guests during summer gatherings. This cake pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its refreshing orange flavor and creamy texture.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Citrus Slices – Thin slices of orange or lemon can add an extra zing to each bite.
Ice Cream or Sorbet
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side provides a creamy contrast to the citrusy cake.
- Orange Sorbet – For a refreshing twist, serve with orange sorbet that echoes the cake’s flavors.
Whipped Topping
- Extra Cool Whip – A dollop of Cool Whip on top adds a light and airy finish.
- Flavored Whipped Cream – Consider whipping in some orange zest for added flavor.
Garnishes
- Mint Leaves – Fresh mint leaves not only look great but also add a hint of freshness.
- Chocolate Shavings – A sprinkle of chocolate shavings can create an appealing visual contrast.
How to Perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake
To achieve the best results with your Orange Creamsicle Cake, follow these simple tips for perfection.
- Bold Ingredients – Use fresh ingredients like fresh squeezed orange juice and zest for vibrant flavor.
- Room Temperature Eggs – Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
- Even Baking – Check your oven’s temperature accuracy; uneven baking can affect texture and taste.
- Cool Completely – Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the topping.
- Chill Before Serving – Refrigerate the cake for a few hours after frosting; it enhances flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Creamsicle Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Orange Creamsicle Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brightens up any plate and offers a refreshing balance.
- Lemonade – Serve with chilled lemonade for a classic summer drink that complements the citrus theme.
- Cheese Platter – A variety of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet notes of the cake.
- Grilled Vegetables – Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables add a savory touch that balances sweetness.
- Mini Cheesecakes – Individual cheesecakes offer a rich alternative while still being light enough after cake.
- Pineapple Salsa – This sweet and spicy salsa can be served alongside, adding fun flavors that enhance every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Orange Creamsicle Cake, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes you should watch out for:
Skipping the Zest: Not adding orange zest can dull the flavor. Make sure to include this ingredient to enhance the cake’s orange essence.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too vigorously can result in a dense cake. Stir just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
Ignoring Temperature: Using cold ingredients can affect the cake’s rise. Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
Neglecting Cooling Time: Cutting the cake too soon can lead to a messy presentation. Allow it to cool completely before serving.
Forgetting the JELLO Mix: Not incorporating the JELLO properly may cause uneven flavor distribution. Follow the instructions carefully for a uniformly tasty cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep slices separated with parchment paper for easy access.
Freezing Orange Creamsicle Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Orange Creamsicle Cake
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, warming each slice gently for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orange Creamsicle Cake?
Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of vanilla and orange, mimicking the popular frozen treat. It features a moist vanilla poke cake infused with orange JELLO and topped with a creamy frosting.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute with other flavors like lemon or almond if you’re looking for a unique twist on the classic Orange Creamsicle Cake.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make an Orange Creamsicle Cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix instead of regular cake mix. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged.
How long does it take to prepare?
This easy Orange Creamsicle Cake takes about 10 minutes to prep, and around 28 minutes to bake, totaling just under an hour from start to finish!
Final Thoughts
The Orange Creamsicle Cake is not only visually appealing but bursting with refreshing flavors that are perfect for summer gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits or frostings according to your taste preferences. Give this delightful dessert a try; it’s sure to be a hit at any occasion!
Orange Creamsicle Cake
Indulge in the refreshing taste of summer with this delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake. This easy poke cake combines zesty orange flavor with creamy vanilla frosting, making it a perfect treat for birthday parties, barbecues, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon. With its vibrant appearance and irresistible flavors, this cake is sure to be the star dessert at any gathering. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ready in under 40 minutes! Enjoy it chilled for a light, refreshing finish that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (or vanilla almond milk)
- 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)
- For Frosting: 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine vanilla cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, dissolve orange JELLO in boiling water; then stir in fresh orange juice and let cool.
- Once baked, poke holes in the warm cake using a fork or skewer.
- Pour the cooled JELLO mixture over the cake to allow it to soak.
- In another bowl, mix vanilla pudding with Cool Whip and spread over the cooled cake.
- Chill for at least an hour before serving and garnish with mandarin oranges if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients like freshly squeezed orange juice for maximum flavor. This recipe is easily customizable; try different flavors of JELLO or toppings for variety.
