This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a fun and fruity dessert that brings back childhood memories. It’s soft, fluffy, and packed with zesty orange flavor, making it super refreshing!
Plus, the creamy frosting is like a treat on top! I love serving it on sunny days, and it always gets smiles. Who can resist that orange goodness? 🍊💛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orange-flavored cake mix: This is the star of the recipe, providing the base flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a lemon cake mix or even a vanilla one for a different twist!
Orange soda: I love using orange soda for extra fizz and sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, opt for orange juice instead. It still adds a lovely orange flavor without the added sugars.
Heavy cream: This helps create a rich frosting. If you’re short on calories, you can use a light whipped topping or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative!
Orange marmalade or orange curd: These give the cake that delightful citrus burst. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with lemon curd or another fruit spread you love.
How Do I Make Sure My Cake Comes Out Moist and Fluffy?
To achieve a moist and fluffy cake, you need to follow a few key steps. First, ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F before baking. This helps the cake rise properly. Mixing the batter just until combined is also essential; over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Combine all wet ingredients with the cake mix and blend gently. No need to overwork it!
- Folding in the pudding mix is crucial since it adds moisture and texture. Do this gently for the best results.
- Once baked, let it cool completely in the pan. This helps keep the moisture locked in!
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box orange-flavored cake mix (plus eggs, water, and oil as per the box instructions)
- 1 cup orange soda (or orange juice)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup orange marmalade or orange curd
- Orange sprinkles or zest for garnish
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Orange Creamsicle Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool completely, which might take around 30 minutes. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your cake in about 1 to 1.5 hours including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent your cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, add the orange cake mix, orange soda, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You want to ensure there are no lumps in your batter!
3. Add Pudding:
Next, gently fold in the package of instant vanilla pudding mix. This step is important as it will make your cake moist and give it a lovely creamy texture. Mix until it’s fully combined with the batter.
4. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out so it’s smooth on top. Bake according to the package instructions or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean—this usually takes about 30-35 minutes. Once baked, let it cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, let’s make the frosting! In a new bowl, whip the heavy cream until you see soft peaks starting to form. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until you achieve stiff peaks. This will make your frosting delightful and fluffy!
6. Layer the Marmalade:
When the cake has cooled, take a skewer or the back of a spoon and poke holes across the top of the cake. This allows the orange marmalade or curd to seep in. Spread a generous layer of orange marmalade over the cake, ensuring it fills those holes for maximum flavor!
7. Frost the Cake:
Now, it’s time to frost! Carefully spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the layer of marmalade. Be gentle so that you don’t disturb that delicious layer beneath.
8. Garnish:
Lastly, get creative with the decoration! Add some fun orange sprinkles or zest on top of the whipped cream, and if you’d like, toss a few mint leaves on for a fresh pop.
9. Serve:
Cut the cake into squares and it’s ready to serve! You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Delight in the refreshing orange creamsicle flavor that everyone will love!
This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! You can swap the orange-flavored cake mix for any flavor you like, such as lemon or vanilla. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, so choose a flavor that complements the orange marmalade or curd well for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this cake gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Ensure that the rest of the ingredients, like the instant pudding mix, are also gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Just frost it the day you plan to serve it to keep the whipped cream fresh and fluffy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The whipped cream frosting may soften a bit, but it will still taste great! For a quick dessert, you can also enjoy it straight from the fridge!
