If you have ever dreamed of capturing the nostalgia of an ice cream shop treat in cake form, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with bright citrus flavor and a creamy, luscious frosting, this cake combines the best of creamy vanilla and zesty orange into a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. From its tender, moist crumb infused with real orange juice and zest to the silky frosting that melts in your mouth, this recipe brings a refreshing twist that’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully textured and flavorful cake. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s adding moisture, tang, or that unmistakable creamsicle allure.
- Vanilla cake mix: Provides the classic soft and fluffy base that’s easy to work with.
- Orange gelatin mix (3 oz): Adds a vibrant citrus punch and gives the cake a beautiful orange hue.
- Orange juice (1 cup): Imparts natural sweetness and fresh flavor essential for that authentic creamsicle taste.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- Orange zest (1 tsp): Delivers concentrated citrus oil that brightens every bite.
- Butter, softened (1 cup): Creates a creamy, rich frosting base.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth finish.
- Heavy cream (2 tbsp): Lightens the frosting’s texture, making it fluffy and spreadable.
- Orange extract (optional, 2 tbsp): Boosts the orange flavor in the frosting for an extra kick.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 8-inch round cake pans ensures that your cake layers will slide out easily once baked, giving you a perfect shape to work with for decorating and stacking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin mix. This blend brings together the classic and citrus elements right from the start.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and silky. This step infuses the cake with its signature creamy orange flavor and ensures a tender crumb.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here helps keep your cake layers from crumbling when you assemble.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, whip your softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing continuously to avoid lumps. Incorporate heavy cream and orange extract if you want to amplify the citrus essence. Beat until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable—this luscious coating is what transforms the cake into a dreamy treat.
Step 6: Assemble and Frost
Start by frosting the first cake layer, then gently place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out or creating fun swirls to add texture and charm.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is now ready to be sliced and served. Each bite offers a perfect blend of zesty orange and creamy sweetness that brings back all the happiness of classic creamsicle treats.
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes enhances the cake’s appearance and complements its flavor beautifully. Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel add a burst of zesty visual appeal. A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or edible flowers can also brighten up the presentation, making every slice Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with simple, fresh accompaniments to balance its sweetness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a dreamy combination. Light sorbets or a fresh fruit salad with berries can also provide refreshing contrast and keep the dessert experience vibrant and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual slices topped with a drizzle of white chocolate or even a splash of champagne-infused orange syrup to elevate the party vibe. You can also transform the cake into mini trifle cups layered with whipped cream and mandarin segments for an elegant but easy presentation that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe fresh, store leftovers covered in an airtight container at room temperature if it will be eaten within one day. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to preserve the frosting’s texture and prevent spoilage—just allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this cake ahead of time or save leftovers, freezing works wonders. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let it warm slightly at room temperature to regain its creamy softness.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you want to soften the cake slightly, let it sit out for 30 minutes before enjoying—it will bring out the creamy texture and flavors without drying the cake out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of bottled orange juice?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a more vibrant and natural flavor to the cake, enhancing the overall citrusy profile of the Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe.
Is it okay to omit the orange extract in the frosting?
Yes, you can skip the orange extract if you prefer. The orange zest and gelatin already provide plenty of citrus flavor, but the extract gives an extra bright note if you want a bolder orange taste.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure the other ingredients, like gelatin and extracts, do not contain gluten to keep the cake safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
What type of orange gelatin mix should I use?
A standard 3-ounce orange-flavored gelatin mix works perfectly. Its role is both flavor and color, so avoid sugar-free versions that may affect the texture and sweetness.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about an Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe that brings childhood memories to life with every bite. Its sunny flavor and creamy frosting make it a crowd-pleaser whether for birthdays, holidays, or a simple weekend treat. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to cake for sharing joy and sweetness with everyone you love.
Print
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful twist on a classic vanilla cake, infused with bright orange flavors from gelatin mix, juice, and zest, then finished with a creamy orange buttercream frosting. It’s perfect for those who love the nostalgic taste of creamsicles in cake form, offering a moist and flavorful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp orange extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and the orange gelatin mix thoroughly.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat the mixture until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat. Incorporate the heavy cream and orange extract (if using) and mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake: Spread a layer of frosting on the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 10 servings and enjoy the bright, creamy flavors reminiscent of a classic orange creamsicle.
Notes
- Using fresh orange zest along with the orange gelatin mix intensifies the citrus flavor.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a bit more orange extract to the frosting.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
