Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & Refreshing – A delicious combination of sweet vanilla and tangy orange.
- Super Easy to Make – Uses a cake mix for a foolproof and quick recipe.
- Moist & Flavorful – The addition of orange juice and zest enhances the flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, brunches, or summer parties.
- Creamy & Dreamy – The soft, fluffy texture melts in your mouth!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup cream cheese (optional, for a richer texture)
Directions
Making the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Making the Frosting:
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until stiff peaks form.
- Optional: For a richer frosting, beat in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and enjoy this creamy, citrusy delight!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Layer Cake Version: Make it as a two-layer cake with extra frosting between layers.
- Cupcake Version: Bake as cupcakes and top with swirls of frosting.
- Extra Orange Flavor: Add a teaspoon of orange extract for a stronger citrus taste.
- Glazed Option: Drizzle with an orange glaze instead of frosting.
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a creamsicle-inspired touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
- Reheating: Enjoy chilled or bring to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought?
Yes! Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a fine grater or a microplane to remove just the orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free whipped topping instead of heavy cream and a plant-based cake mix.
How do I make the frosting more stable?
Adding cream cheese helps stabilize the frosting, making it thicker and longer-lasting.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used for a richer flavor.
What can I top the cake with?
Fresh orange slices, sprinkles, or white chocolate shavings make great toppings!
Can I make this in a bundt pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time to about 40-45 minutes.
Can I make this a poke cake?
Yes! Poke holes in the baked cake and pour in an orange-flavored pudding or glaze before frosting.
Is this cake good for summer parties?
Absolutely! It's light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.
Can I add food coloring for a brighter orange hue?
Yes! A drop or two of orange food coloring will enhance the look.
Conclusion
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a bright, citrusy, and creamy dessert that brings a nostalgic summer flavor to any occasion. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite! Try it today and enjoy the refreshing taste of orange and vanilla in every bite.
Orange Creamsicle Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a dreamy, citrus-infused dessert that tastes just like the classic creamsicle! Made with a moist orange cake and a fluffy vanilla-orange frosting, this cake is perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you crave a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ cup cream cheese (optional, for a richer texture)
Instructions
Making the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Making the Frosting:
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until stiff peaks form.
- Optional: For a richer frosting, beat in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and enjoy this creamy, citrusy delight!
Notes
- Layer Cake Version: Make it as a two-layer cake with extra frosting between layers.
- Cupcake Version: Bake as cupcakes and top with swirls of frosting.
- Extra Orange Flavor: Add a teaspoon of orange extract for a stronger citrus taste.
- Glazed Option: Drizzle with an orange glaze instead of frosting.
- Chocolate Twist: Add white chocolate chips or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a creamsicle-inspired touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
