Introduction
Orange Creamsicle Cake is a nostalgic dessert inspired by the classic frozen treat that blends sweet orange flavour with smooth vanilla cream. This cake is light, moist, and refreshing, making it ideal for spring and summer gatherings or anytime you want a dessert that feels cheerful and comforting. The balance between citrus and cream creates a flavour that is both vibrant and mellow, never overwhelming. I often turn to this recipe when I want something visually appealing yet easy to prepare, especially for family celebrations. The orange flavour brings freshness, while the creamy frosting ties everything together beautifully. Each slice is soft, aromatic, and full of that familiar creamsicle charm. Simple to make and loved by all ages, this cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert flavour.
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Orange Creamsicle Cake: A Soft, Creamy Dessert with Bright Citrus Flavour
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Orange Creamsicle Cake is a moist and refreshing dessert inspired by the classic frozen treat, featuring orange-flavored cake layers with a creamy vanilla frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 box orange cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 120 ml vegetable oil
- 240 ml orange soda or orange juice
- 1 package (100 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 240 ml cold milk
- 200 g whipped topping, thawed
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Orange zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the orange cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and orange soda until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Garnish with orange zest if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Chilling the cake enhances the creamsicle flavor.
- You can use orange gelatin instead of pudding for a firmer texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is easy to prepare, full of flavour, and perfect for entertaining. It uses simple ingredients and delivers a moist texture with a smooth, creamy finish. The orange and vanilla combination is timeless and refreshing, making it a crowd-pleasing choice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the cake soft and tender.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and balances the citrus flavour.
Butter
Butter adds richness and contributes to a moist crumb.
Eggs
Eggs bind the batter and give the cake stability and lift.
Orange Juice
Orange juice delivers natural citrus flavour and moisture.
Orange Zest
Orange zest enhances aroma and intensifies the orange flavour.
Baking Powder
Baking powder helps the cake rise evenly.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens flavour.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract provides warmth and complements the citrus notes.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the base of the creamy frosting, adding tang and smoothness.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens and smooths the frosting.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream lightens the frosting and creates a fluffy texture.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a round or rectangular cake pan.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
To prepare the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then slowly mix in heavy cream until light and spreadable. Frost the cooled cake evenly and chill briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately ten to twelve slices. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, baking time is 30–35 minutes, and cooling plus frosting time is about 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. This cake does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Orange Creamsicle Cake is easy to adapt. For a poke-cake version, holes can be poked into the baked cake and filled with orange-flavoured gelatin before frosting. I have also prepared this recipe using a light vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter finish.
You can add a thin layer of orange curd between cake layers for extra citrus flavour. For presentation, garnish with orange slices or a sprinkle of zest. These variations allow flexibility while keeping the signature creamsicle flavour intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This cake contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar, fats from butter and cream cheese, and citrus-derived vitamins from orange juice and zest. Portion control is recommended due to its richness.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Fresh Citrus
Fresh orange juice and zest provide the best flavour.
Do Not Overmix
Mix gently once flour is added to keep the cake tender.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh juice provides better flavour.
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and frosted later.
Can I freeze Orange Creamsicle Cake?
Freeze unfrosted cake layers only for best results.
Is this cake very sweet?
It is balanced, with citrus cutting through the sweetness.
Can I use whipped topping instead of frosting?
Yes, for a lighter texture.
What pan works best?
Round, square, or rectangular pans all work well.
Can I make cupcakes with this batter?
Yes, adjust baking time accordingly.
Does this need refrigeration?
Yes, due to the cream-based frosting.
Can I add food colouring?
Yes, a small amount can enhance the orange appearance.
What pairs well with this cake?
Tea, coffee, or vanilla ice cream pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Orange Creamsicle Cake is a bright, creamy dessert that captures the nostalgic flavour of a classic treat in cake form. With its soft crumb, refreshing citrus notes, and smooth vanilla frosting, it is perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Easy to prepare and universally loved, this cake is a delightful addition to any dessert table.
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