Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is the ultimate dessert for summer parties. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing, thanks to the orange JELLO and the mandarin orange frosting. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, while the frosting adds a creamy and refreshing finish. It's easy to prepare, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dessert that gets even better after chilling, making it perfect for busy summer days.
Ingredients
Cake
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15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
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3 eggs (room temperature)
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1 cup milk or vanilla almond milk
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½ cup vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon orange zest
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3.4 ounces orange JELLO
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1 ¼ cup boiling water
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⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Frosting
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15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
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3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
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8 ounces Cool Whip
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Vanilla Cake
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Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, but for the liquid, substitute milk or vanilla almond milk for the water. Add the orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.
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Pour the batter into a 9x13 inch baking pan and bake as directed on the package.
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Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
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Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
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In a heatproof bowl, combine the orange JELLO with the boiling water, whisking until fully dissolved.
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Stir in the fresh orange juice and slowly pour the JELLO mixture over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
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Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to let the JELLO set.
Mandarin Orange Frosting
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In a mixing bowl, beat together the mandarin oranges (with the juice) and the vanilla pudding mix until smooth and well combined.
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Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
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Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 24 people
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 28 minutes
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Total Time: 38 minutes, plus at least 3 hours of chilling time
Variations
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Fruit Variations: You can swap out the mandarin oranges in the frosting for other fruits like pineapple or peaches to add a different twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the Cool Whip with a dairy-free whipped topping and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
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Extra Zesty: For more of an orange punch, add more orange zest into the frosting or cake batter.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: While this cake is best served cold, you can microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds to slightly warm it up, though the texture may change.
FAQs
1. Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can substitute with a homemade vanilla cake mix, but the recipe's liquid and orange zest will still be essential to achieving the right flavor.
2. How can I make the frosting thicker?
If you want a thicker frosting, you can reduce the amount of Cool Whip or increase the amount of pudding mix.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
This cake can be frozen, but the frosting might change in texture. It’s best to freeze the cake without the frosting and apply it once defrosted.
4. Can I use a different flavor of JELLO?
While the orange JELLO gives the signature creamsicle flavor, you can try using other fruit-flavored JELLO for a unique variation, like strawberry or peach.
5. Do I need to refrigerate the cake after baking?
Yes, the cake should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours after adding the JELLO mixture to allow it to set properly and absorb the flavors.
6. Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, whipped cream can be used instead of Cool Whip for a more natural topping, but Cool Whip helps the frosting set more firmly.
7. Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake?
Yes, poking holes in the cake allows the JELLO to soak into the cake, giving it its moist, flavorful texture.
8. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! In fact, this cake tastes better when allowed to chill for several hours or overnight, making it perfect for making ahead of time.
9. How can I make the cake more orange-flavored?
To intensify the orange flavor, you can increase the orange zest in the cake batter or use more orange juice in the frosting.
10. Can I decorate this cake with extra toppings?
Yes! You can decorate with extra mandarin orange slices, orange zest, or even sprinkles for a festive look.
Conclusion
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is the perfect summer dessert, offering a combination of refreshing citrus and creamy sweetness. With its easy preparation, vibrant flavors, and impressive presentation, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a delicious treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a burst of sunshine to your day!
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
This Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake is a refreshing and creamy summer dessert that combines the bright flavors of orange and vanilla with a moist cake and a luscious frosting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes, plus at least 3 hours of chilling time
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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
15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, but substitute milk or vanilla almond milk for the water. Add orange zest for extra flavor.
- Pour the batter into a 9x13 inch baking pan and bake as directed on the package.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the orange JELLO with the boiling water, whisking until fully dissolved.
- Stir in the fresh orange juice and slowly pour the JELLO mixture over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to let the JELLO set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the mandarin oranges (with the juice) and the vanilla pudding mix until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
- This cake gets even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the Cool Whip with a dairy-free whipped topping and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.
- Increase the orange zest in the cake or frosting for a more pronounced orange flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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