This easy Orange Creamsicle Cake is a must-try for summer gatherings! Bursting with vibrant orange flavor, this cake features a delightful vanilla base that is sure to impress. Topped with a light and fluffy orange and vanilla frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for parties, picnics, or any occasion where you want to bring a smile. With its unique poke cake style, every bite is a refreshing treat that will leave your guests asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious cake.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of orange zest and JELLO creates an irresistible citrus taste.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers.
- Feed a Crowd: This recipe serves 24 people, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
- Versatile Frosting Options: Feel free to experiment with different frostings or toppings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into baking your Orange Creamsicle Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures evenly mixed batter and frosting.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect size for this poke cake recipe, allowing even cooking.
Ingredients
To make the delicious Orange Creamsicle Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake Base
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (or vanilla almondmilk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Poke Filling
- 3.4 ounces orange JELLO
- 1 ¼ cup boiling water
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
For Topping
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan.
Step 3: Create Poke Holes
Once cooled, use a wooden spoon handle or straw to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure to space them evenly.
Step 4: Add JELLO Mixture
In another bowl, dissolve the orange JELLO in boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Mix in fresh squeezed orange juice. Pour this mixture over the poked holes in the cake so that it seeps into each hole.
Step 5: Cool Again
Allow the cake to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set.
Step 6: Top with Frosting
Prepare your topping by mixing together vanilla pudding mix and Cool Whip until smooth. Spread this over the cooled cake. Decorate with mandarin oranges on top.
Enjoy your homemade Orange Creamsicle Cake!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake
This delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake is perfect for any summer gathering. Its vibrant flavor and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Slice and Serve
- Serve chilled: This cake tastes best when served cold, enhancing its refreshing orange flavor.
- Garnish with mint: A sprig of fresh mint on each slice adds a pop of color and freshness.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing enhances the vanilla notes in the cake and creates a delicious contrast with the orange.
- Orange sorbet: For a citrusy twist, serve a scoop of orange sorbet alongside the cake for an extra burst of flavor.
Create Individual Servings
- Cupcake form: Transform the cake into cupcakes for easier serving at parties. Just adjust baking time accordingly.
- Mason jar servings: Layer pieces of cake with frosting in mason jars for a fun, portable dessert option.
How to Perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake
To achieve the best results with your Orange Creamsicle Cake, follow these simple tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and milk blend more easily at room temperature, resulting in a better batter consistency.
- Don’t skip the zest: Adding orange zest intensifies the cake’s flavor, making it even more aromatic and delicious.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool fully before adding frosting ensures that it doesn’t melt or slide off.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the cake for a few hours (or overnight) allows flavors to meld beautifully and gives it a firmer texture.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Creamsicle Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Orange Creamsicle Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cake while adding freshness.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats pair well with the citrus flavors, adding texture to your dessert table.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Another fruity dessert that offers a different flavor profile while keeping with the summery theme.
- Lemonade: A refreshing beverage that balances out the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect match.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Their rich chocolate flavor contrasts nicely with the lightness of the Orange Creamsicle Cake.
- Whipped Cream Parfaits: Layer whipped cream with berries or granola for another light yet satisfying addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Orange Creamsicle Cake can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect your final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing them into your batter.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin the texture and flavor of your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined; you should still see some lumps.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Cutting into your cake too soon can lead to a soggy texture. Allow it to cool completely before adding the frosting and serving.
- Using old ingredients: Old baking powder or expired JELLO can affect how well your cake rises and tastes. Check expiration dates before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Orange Creamsicle Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep it covered with plastic wrap if not using a container.
Freezing Orange Creamsicle Cake
- Slice the cake before freezing for easier serving.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Orange Creamsicle Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to keep moisture in, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Orange Creamsicle Cake unique?
This cake is unique due to its vibrant orange flavor combined with creamy vanilla frosting, reminiscent of classic creamsicles enjoyed during summer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I enhance the orange flavor?
To boost the orange flavor, consider adding more fresh orange zest or using orange extract in addition to the JELLO and juice.
Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely! You can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher taste; just ensure it’s stiff enough for spreading.
How long does it take to prepare this Orange Creamsicle Cake?
The total time is approximately 38 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking times, making it perfect for quick gatherings!
Final Thoughts
The Orange Creamsicle Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions from summer parties to family gatherings. With its refreshing citrus flavor and creamy frosting, it’s sure to please all ages. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or flavors that you love! Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Orange Creamsicle Cake
Indulge in the refreshing taste of summer with this delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake! Perfect for any warm-weather gathering, this poke cake features a light vanilla base infused with zesty orange flavor. Topped with a fluffy orange and vanilla frosting, it’s the ultimate dessert to impress your guests and elevate any picnic or celebration. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet citrus and creamy goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving large crowds, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 24 people 1x
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, and orange zest using an electric mixer until well blended.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for about 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- Once cooled, poke holes all over the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
- In another bowl, dissolve orange JELLO in boiling water and stir in fresh orange juice. Pour over the poked holes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Mix together vanilla pudding and Cool Whip until smooth; spread over the cooled cake and top with mandarin oranges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (83g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, try adding more fresh orange zest or an extra splash of orange extract. Feel free to use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher taste.