Tasty Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is the ideal summer dessert for any occasion. The moist vanilla cake is infused with a burst of orange flavor thanks to the JELLO and fresh orange juice. The fluffy mandarin orange frosting adds a creamy and citrusy touch that perfectly complements the cake. It's easy to make, refreshing, and has a nostalgic flavor that will bring smiles to everyone at the table. Plus, it's a fun twist on traditional poke cakes that will definitely be a hit at your next party or picnic.

Ingredients

Cake
15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
3 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

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

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, using a 9x13 inch baking pan. Replace the water with vanilla almond milk (or regular milk), and add the orange zest to the batter.

2. Bake the cake following the instructions on the box. After baking, allow the cake to cool for approximately 10 minutes on a wire rack.

3. Once the cake is cool enough to handle, use a skewer to poke holes across the entire surface of the cake.

4. In a heatproof bowl, combine the orange JELLO mix with boiling water. Whisk until the JELLO is completely dissolved.

5. Stir in the fresh orange juice and carefully pour the JELLO mixture over the top of the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.

6. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to allow the JELLO to set.

7. For the frosting, beat together the mandarin oranges and vanilla pudding mix until fully combined.

8. Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or whipped cream) until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

9. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

10. Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 28 minutes

• Total Time: 38 minutes (not including refrigeration time)

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients for hidden gluten.

• Non-Dairy Version: Use dairy-free options like almond milk, non-dairy whipped topping, and plant-based pudding mix to make the cake vegan and dairy-free.

• Add-Ins: Consider adding extra orange zest to the frosting or mixing in some chopped candied orange peel for an extra burst of flavor.

• Different Frosting: Instead of mandarin oranges, try using a fresh orange cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake should be kept chilled due to the whipped topping.

• Reheating: Since the cake is served cold, there's no need to reheat it. Just remove it from the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can substitute a homemade vanilla cake mix in place of the store-bought version.

2. How do I make sure the JELLO seeps into the cake properly?

Be sure to poke holes deep enough with a skewer or fork so that the JELLO mixture can fully soak into the cake.

3. Can I use a different flavor of JELLO?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of JELLO, but orange JELLO is recommended for the best "creamsicle" flavor.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

5. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If you'd like a thicker frosting, you can add a bit more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of Cool Whip slightly.

6. Can I freeze this cake?

It’s not recommended to freeze the frosted version due to the texture of the Cool Whip. However, you can freeze the cake itself (without frosting), and frost it once it’s thawed.

7. Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use whipped cream in place of Cool Whip, but it may not hold up as well over time.

8. What should I do if my cake cracks while baking?

If your cake cracks, don't worry! You can always cover it with frosting to hide any imperfections.

9. Can I use a different type of citrus fruit for the cake?

While orange is the classic flavor for this recipe, you could try substituting lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a different citrusy taste.

10. How can I make this cake more decadent?

For a richer flavor, you can add a layer of orange marmalade or fresh orange slices on top of the frosting.

Conclusion

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is the ultimate summer treat. Its sweet and tangy orange flavor combined with the creamy vanilla frosting makes it the perfect dessert for warm-weather occasions. It’s easy to prepare, has minimal ingredients, and delivers a refreshing burst of citrusy goodness that everyone will love. Whether you're hosting a party or simply want a fun and tasty dessert, this cake is sure to impress!

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