Name: Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 31 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the nostalgic flavor of an orange creamsicle in cake form, the Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful treat combines the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange juice and zest with the creamy sweetness of a luscious buttercream frosting that’s bursting with citrus goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both comfortingly familiar and wonderfully indulgent all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

The magic in this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors. Each plays an essential role, whether it’s giving the cake its lightness, that burst of citrus, or the creamy frosting that ties it all together.

Vanilla cake mix: This forms the light and fluffy base, making preparation quick without sacrificing flavor.
Orange gelatin mix: Infuses the cake with a vibrant orange color and subtle tangy sweetness that’s reminiscent of a creamsicle.
Orange juice: Adds fresh citrus zing and moistens the batter for a tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft throughout.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness for that perfect cake texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the underlying sweetness with warm, mellow notes.
Orange zest: Offers concentrated orange aroma and flavor, elevating the citrus punch.
Butter (softened): The base for an indulgent frosting that’s creamy and smooth.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
Heavy cream: Lightens and softens the frosting for an irresistible finish.
Orange extract (optional): Boosts the orange flavor for an even more intense creamsicle experience.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To make sure your cake layers come out clean and intact, grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly. This prep work ensures the cakes release effortlessly once baked and cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix with the orange gelatin mix. This tantalizing combination will give the cake its signature color and subtle fruity flavor, setting the stage for the bright, refreshing dessert you’re about to create.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in 1 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest. Beat everything together until the batter looks smooth and uniform. The fresh juice and zest will give the cake that authentic creamsicle tang, while the eggs and oil enrich its texture.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely – this step is crucial to ensure your frosting doesn’t melt.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your cakes cool, it’s time to whip up that dreamy frosting. Beat 1 cup of softened butter until it’s light and fluffy, then gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and if you love an extra punch of citrus, 2 tablespoons of orange extract. Continue beating until it’s perfectly smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more cream to thin, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously frost the top. Gently add the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use a spatula or piping bag for a polished finish. Now your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is ready to be admired and devoured!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A few well-chosen garnishes can take your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe to the next level. Consider adding fresh orange slices, a sprinkle of extra orange zest, or even some colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive look. Candied orange peel works beautifully here, adding texture and a burst of citrus flavor that complements the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

Because the Orange Creamsicle Cake is so rich and flavorful, pairing it with light, refreshing sides makes sense. A simple mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette can balance the sweetness, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast. Fresh berries or a chilled glass of sparkling water with a splash of orange will cut through the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun! Try serving your cake in individual clear dessert cups layered with frosting and cake crumbs for a portable treat. You could also get playful by slicing the cake into mini cupcakes or cake pops, perfect for sharing at parties. Wrapping it up beautifully for gifting is another delightful way to spread smiles with this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to protect the frosting and prevent the cake from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to preserve your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze individual slices for convenience. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended as it can affect the frosting’s texture. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, pop it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Don’t overdo it to avoid melting that lovely frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of powdered orange gelatin?

Yes! Fresh orange juice gives the cake a natural citrus flavor, but the powdered orange gelatin add a distinctive brightness and color that enhances the cakes’ visual appeal. You could use fresh juice alone, but the gelatin is key to capturing that classic creamsicle essence.

Is this cake gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses a traditional vanilla cake mix, which usually contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and double-check your other ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Can I substitute the orange extract in the frosting?

Absolutely! If orange extract isn’t your thing, you can use vanilla extract for a more subtle flavor or even almond extract for an interesting twist. Just keep in mind that orange extract intensifies the citrus profile, which is the hallmark of the Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

You can balance the sweetness by reducing the powdered sugar slightly, or adding an extra tablespoon of heavy cream to lighten the frosting. Using unsalted butter also helps control excess sweetness.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With some tweaks, yes! Use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan powdered sugar brand. Keep in mind, these changes might alter the texture and flavor slightly, but you’ll still get that delicious Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe vibe.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is truly one of those joyful desserts that brightens any gathering or quiet afternoon treat. Its vibrant flavor, fluffy texture, and creamy frosting make it irresistible from the very first bite. I hope you give it a try and discover just how wonderfully nostalgic and refreshing a slice of this cake can be. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!