If you love the sweet, tangy flavor of an orange creamsicle, this Orange Creamsicle Cake is going to be your new favorite dessert. With its bright citrus flavor, creamy frosting, and light, fluffy texture, it’s like summer on a plate. This cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any time you want a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent.
I first made this cake for a family celebration, and it was an instant hit. The combination of orange soda in the batter and the creamy vanilla frosting brings the classic creamsicle flavor to life. Plus, it’s super easy to make, thanks to a few clever shortcuts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright citrus flavor: Tangy orange meets creamy vanilla for a perfect balance.
- Quick and easy: A few pantry staples come together in no time.
- Versatile: Great for parties, potlucks, or a refreshing everyday treat.
- Eye-catching: Vibrant orange layers make it a show-stopping dessert.
- Kid-friendly: The classic creamsicle flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box orange cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup orange soda or orange juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Filling and Frosting:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Optional Garnish:
- Orange zest or orange slices
- White chocolate shavings
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, orange soda (or juice), vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and orange extract (if using) until thickened.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over the top.
- Add the second layer and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish and Chill:
- Decorate the cake with orange zest, orange slices, or white chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
- Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this cake chilled for a refreshing treat. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Option: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and frost just before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Soda or Juice: Using orange soda gives the cake a stronger orange flavor, but orange juice works just as well for a natural touch.
- Extra Creaminess: Add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese to the frosting for a richer texture.
- For Cupcakes: This recipe can also be used to make cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to 18–20 minutes.
- Zest Boost: For a more intense orange flavor, add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the cake batter.
- Layer Stability: Chill the cake layers before frosting to make assembly easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade orange cake recipe if you prefer baking from scratch. - What can I use instead of whipped topping?
Substitute with homemade whipped cream by whipping 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free orange cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. - How do I make the frosting more stable?
Add 1–2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the pudding mixture before folding in the whipped topping. - Can I use other flavors?
Yes! Swap orange for lemon, lime, or pineapple for a fun twist on the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a dessert that brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite. Its vibrant orange flavor paired with creamy vanilla frosting captures the essence of a classic creamsicle, making it perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just because.
What I love most about this cake is how easy it is to make without sacrificing flavor or presentation. The orange zest and whipped frosting make it both refreshing and indulgent, while the bright colors make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
So, grab your ingredients and bring the joy of creamsicle flavors to your kitchen. Your family and friends will be lining up for seconds! Happy baking!
Orange Creamsicle Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box orange cake mix 15.25 oz
- 1 cup orange soda or orange juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Filling and Frosting:
- 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 teaspoon orange extract optional, for extra flavor
- 1 8 oz container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Optional Garnish:
- Orange zest or orange slices
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, orange soda (or juice), vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and orange extract (if using) until thickened.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over the top.
- Add the second layer and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish and Chill:
- Decorate the cake with orange zest, orange slices, or white chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
- Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soda or Juice: Using orange soda gives the cake a stronger orange flavor, but orange juice works just as well for a natural touch.
- Extra Creaminess: Add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese to the frosting for a richer texture.
- For Cupcakes: This recipe can also be used to make cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to 18–20 minutes.
- Zest Boost: For a more intense orange flavor, add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the cake batter.
- Layer Stability: Chill the cake layers before frosting to make assembly easier.
