Orange Creamsicle Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with a box cake mix and simple ingredients

• Light and fruity, perfect for summer gatherings

• No special equipment needed—just a baking pan and mixing bowls

• Bright orange flavor complemented by creamy vanilla

• Poke cake method ensures maximum flavor in every bite

• Topped with a cloud-like frosting that’s fruity and smooth

• Perfect for a crowd, yielding 24 servings

• Can be made ahead of time, great for parties and potlucks

• Fun twist on a childhood favorite popsicle

• Minimal prep time—only 10 minutes before baking

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

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

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

Directions

Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat oven according to cake mix package directions.

2. Prepare the vanilla cake mix in a large bowl as directed on the box, substituting milk or vanilla almondmilk for the water and adding orange zest.

3. Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

4. Bake as directed on the package, usually about 28 minutes.

5. Let cake cool on a rack for 10 minutes.

6. Use a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake.

7. In a heatproof bowl, combine orange JELLO mix and boiling water, whisking until dissolved.

8. Stir in fresh squeezed orange juice.

9. Slowly pour the JELLO mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

10. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours.

Mandarin Orange Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat mandarin oranges (with juice) and pudding mix until well combined.

2. Gently fold in Cool Whip until fully incorporated.

3. Spread frosting evenly over the chilled cake.

4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 28 minutes
Chill time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total time: About 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Citrus blend: Add lemon or lime zest for a mixed citrus flavor.

• Cream cheese topping: Mix softened cream cheese into the frosting for a tangier taste.

• Layered version: Bake in round pans and stack layers with frosting in between for a fancier presentation.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.

• Different JELLO flavors: Try peach or pineapple JELLO for a twist.

• Fresh oranges: Use freshly diced oranges instead of canned mandarins.

• Coconut flair: Add shredded coconut to the frosting.

• Extra creamy: Mix in some vanilla yogurt with the pudding and mandarins.

• Mini version: Make in cupcake form for easy serving.

• Zesty glaze: Drizzle an orange glaze on top before frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Freezing is not recommended due to the whipped topping, which can change texture when thawed.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Orange Creamsicle Cake?

You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, but stabilize the whipped cream with a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin so it holds its shape.

Is it okay to use orange juice from concentrate?

Fresh orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use concentrate in a pinch.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, use an egg replacer or applesauce as a substitute if you need an egg-free version.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Sure! White or yellow cake mix works just as well and still complements the orange flavor.

Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?

The holes help the JELLO mixture soak into the cake, infusing it with flavor and moisture.

Can I make this in a round pan?

Yes, just adjust the baking time and ensure the pan is deep enough to hold the filling.

What’s the texture like?

The cake is moist and soft with a creamy, fluffy topping—almost like a trifle in cake form.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes, use sugar-free JELLO, pudding mix, and a sugar-free cake mix. Also swap in sugar-free whipped topping.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

Let the cake cool slightly before pouring the JELLO mixture, and refrigerate it to set completely.

Conclusion

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a nostalgic, refreshing dessert that brings sunny flavors to your table. With its vibrant orange taste, soft vanilla cake base, and dreamy mandarin topping, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Perfect for summer, yet easy enough to enjoy any time of year, this cake is a must-try for citrus lovers.