Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

Name: Orange Creamsicle Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp heavy cream; 2 tbsp orange extract (optional)

Indulging in a slice of Orange Creamsicle Cake is like being transported back to sunny childhood days filled with the refreshing taste of orange ice pops. This delightful cake offers a moist, fluffy texture, accompanied by a velvety buttercream that emphasizes the sweet and tangy nature of orange. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked citrus mingles in the air, making it an ideal dessert for summer celebrations, birthday parties, or simply as a charming treat to brighten any day. Perfectly balanced, this cake is a showstopper that brings warmth and joy with each bite, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

1 box vanilla cake mix: The base of your cake, providing a sweet and soft texture.
1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix: Adds a burst of orange flavor and contributes to the cake’s vibrant color.
1 cup orange juice: Fresh and tangy, this ingredient keeps the cake moist while enhancing the orange essence.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Helps create a tender crumb and adds moisture.
3 large eggs: Essential for binding and providing structure to the cake.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Offers a subtle warmth that complements the citrus flavor.
1 tsp orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor, adding a fragrant aroma to the cake.
1 cup butter, softened: The foundation for a creamy buttercream frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while providing a smooth texture.
2 tbsp heavy cream: Adds richness to the frosting, making it luxurious and easy to spread.
2 tbsp orange extract (optional): Enhances the orange flavor for an extra zing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin mix. Stir until the mixtures are well blended.
Add the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and fully combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in each pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
Pour in the heavy cream and orange extract (if using), then beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Frost the top of the first cake layer. Carefully stack the second layer on top, then frost the entire cake, ensuring it is covered evenly.
Slice the cake and serve to your delighted guests or enjoy it yourself.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: Approximately 450 per slice

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your frosting.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake where it will keep fresh for about a week.
Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.
Variations: For a different flavor profile, you can swap half of the orange juice for lemon juice, or add a hint of lemon zest.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought?
Yes, fresh orange juice will enhance the flavor even more.

2. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
You can decrease the amount of powdered sugar or add in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and frost up to a day in advance, and keep refrigerated.

4. Is it necessary to use orange gelatin?
While it adds flavor and color, you can omit it for a simpler vanilla cake.

5. How long does the cake last in the fridge?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for about a week when properly covered.

6. Can I use a different cake mix?
Certainly, you can experiment with lemon or even marble cake mixes for unique flavors.

Conclusion

Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful way to bring sunshine into your home, whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet. With its bright flavor and fluffy texture, this delightful cake is sure to impress. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Enjoy every slice and spread the joy of this delicious cake!

Orange Creamsicle Cake

Print Recipe

A delightful cake that captures the refreshing taste of orange ice pops, perfect for summer celebrations.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp orange extract (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin mix. Stir until blended.
Add the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat until smooth.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
Pour in heavy cream and orange extract (if using), and beat until smooth and creamy.
Frost the top of the first layer, stack the second layer on top, then frost the entire cake.
Slice the cake and serve.