This Orange Creamsicle Cake is fluffy, fruity, and oh-so-yummy! With its orange flavor and creamy frosting, it tastes just like your favorite ice cream treat.
Baking this cake is like taking a trip down memory lane! I find myself sneaking bites of the frosting because it’s just that good. Who can resist a slice of nostalgia? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orange-flavored cake mix: This is the base of the cake, giving it that orange flavor. If you want a more natural flavor, try making a homemade cake using orange juice and zest instead of the mix.
Vanilla instant pudding mix: This adds creaminess and stability. If you want to avoid instant pudding, you can substitute with a homemade custard, though it will take more time to prepare.
Orange soda: This brings sweetness and carbonation into the cake. You could use lemon-lime soda or even a sparkling water mixed with orange juice if you’re looking for a less sweet option.
Heavy cream: This is used for the whipped topping. If you want a lighter alternative, coconut cream is a great substitution for a non-dairy option.
Orange zest: It enhances the orange flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled orange zest can work, but fresh is always best for flavor.
How Do You Get the Cake to Absorb the Pudding Mixture Well?
One key to making this cake truly delicious is ensuring the pudding mixture soaks in properly. After the cake is baked, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes, then poke holes throughout the cake with a fork. This step helps the pudding blend into every bite.
- Wait until the cake is warm but not hot, making it easier for the mixture to soak in.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the top, spreading it gently to cover every part of the cake.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before spreading the whipped cream to allow extra absorption.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box orange-flavored cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 small box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup orange soda
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup crushed orange gelatin (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- Candy orange slices (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25-30 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator before serving. So in total, you’ll be looking at around 3 hours to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. Then, sprinkle a little flour in the pan to avoid sticking.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the orange cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Once it’s ready, pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, making sure it’s even.
3. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the oven and bake it according to the package instructions, which should take about 25-30 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
While the cake is cooling, grab another bowl and whisk the vanilla pudding mix and orange soda together until it’s well blended and starts to thicken. Set this aside for a moment.
5. Create Holes in the Cake:
After letting your cake cool for about 10 minutes, take a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake, going about halfway down. This helps the pudding soak into the cake for extra flavor!
6. Soak with Pudding:
Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the warm cake, making sure it fills the holes you just poked. Let it soak in—this adds that yummy creamsicle flavor!
7. Make the Whipped Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until you get stiff peaks. This will create a fluffy whipped cream topping. Gently fold the orange zest into the whipped cream to add that fresh citrusy taste.
8. Top the Cake:
Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the top of the pudding-soaked cake. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the pudding layer underneath!
9. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle the crushed orange gelatin over the whipped cream. Add fresh mint leaves and candy orange slices if you like. Now, cover the cake and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let all those flavors meld together.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, slice your refreshing Orange Creamsicle Cake and enjoy each bite! Perfect for any gathering or a special treat at home!
Can I Use a Different Flavored Cake Mix?
Absolutely! You can substitute the orange-flavored cake mix with another flavor like lemon or vanilla if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste of the cake, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
To store leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature for the best taste!
Can I Use Milk Instead of Orange Soda?
Yes, you can use milk instead of orange soda for the pudding mix if you prefer a creamier texture. However, this will make the cake less fruity and bubbly, so consider adding a bit of orange juice or zest to keep the orange flavor!
What Else Can I Use for Garnishing?
If you don’t have candy orange slices, you can try using candied citrus peel, fresh orange segments, or even chocolate shavings for a different twist. Get creative with your toppings!
