Orange Creamsicle Cake

Orange Creamsicle Cake is the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations. This poke cake combines the nostalgic flavors of orange and vanilla in every bite. A moist vanilla cake is infused with orange JELLO and topped with a creamy mandarin orange frosting, creating a light and refreshing dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Frosting:

• 15 ounces canned mandarin oranges (do not drain)
• 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
• 8 ounces Cool Whip

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions for a 9×13-inch baking pan, substituting milk (or almond milk) for the water and adding orange zest.
2. Bake as directed on the package. Remove from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes.
3. Use a skewer to poke holes across the top of the cake.
4. In a bowl, dissolve orange JELLO in boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.
5. Add fresh orange juice to the JELLO mixture and stir.
6. Slowly pour the JELLO mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
7. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours before adding frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat together the mandarin oranges with their juice and the pudding mix until well combined.
2. Fold in the Cool Whip until light and fluffy.
3. Spread evenly over the chilled cake.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator for the best flavor and texture.
• Garnish with fresh orange slices, zest, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for presentation.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing as the JELLO filling and frosting don’t hold up well.
• For parties, cut into neat squares and serve in cupcake liners for easy handling.

Variations

• White Cake Base – Use white cake mix for a lighter base and allow the orange flavor to stand out more.
• Pineapple Twist – Swap mandarin oranges in the frosting for crushed pineapple for a tropical flavor.
• Sugar-Free Version – Use sugar-free JELLO, pudding, and light Cool Whip for a lower-calorie option.
• Layered Cake – Bake the cake in two round pans and layer with frosting in between for a more formal presentation.
• Coconut Creamsicle Cake – Sprinkle shredded coconut between frosting layers for added texture.
• Orange Soda Cake – Replace milk in the cake batter with orange soda for extra citrusy flavor.
• Cupcake Version – Bake as cupcakes, poke with JELLO, and frost individually. Perfect for parties.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make it suitable for dietary needs.

FAQs

1. Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip? Yes, but stabilize it with powdered sugar so it doesn’t collapse.
2. Can I use orange cake mix instead of vanilla? Yes, but the orange flavor will be much stronger.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, it’s best made a day before so the JELLO sets well.
4. How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy? Allow the cake to cool properly before pouring JELLO and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
5. Can I freeze Orange Creamsicle Cake? Not recommended, as the JELLO and frosting do not thaw well.
6. Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned mandarins? Yes, but you’ll need to blend them to achieve the same texture.
7. How long will this cake last in the fridge? Up to 3 days if covered tightly.
8. What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake? Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer for even spacing.
9. Can I use lemon JELLO instead of orange? Yes, but it will taste more like a lemon creamsicle variation.
10. Can I make this in a bundt pan? Yes, but make sure the JELLO soaks evenly into all areas.

Orange Creamsicle Cake is a refreshing, light, and citrusy dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. With its moist vanilla base, tangy orange JELLO filling, and creamy mandarin frosting, it’s the perfect choice for summer gatherings or anytime you want to bring sunshine to the table. Simple to make, versatile with variations, and guaranteed to impress, this cake deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

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