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Orange Creamsicle® Cake Recipe
There's something about orange and vanilla together that takes you straight back to summer, to the jingle of the ice cream truck and the first bite of a Creamsicle® Bar. This Orange Creamsicle® cake takes that same nostalgic combination and turns it into a chilled, sliceable dessert: a soft vanilla cake base, a bright orange filling, and a creamy vanilla topping. It's made for birthdays, summer gatherings, or lazy weekends at home.
ingredients List
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and milk)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Orange Filling
- 1 package orange gelatin dessert mix (3.4 oz)
- 1¼ cups boiling water
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
Frosting
- 1 can mandarin oranges (15 oz, undrained)
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (3.5 oz)
- 8 oz whipped dessert topping
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh orange slices
- Orange sanding sugar
- Fresh mint
- Extra orange zest
What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skewer or fork
- Spatula
- Zester or grater
How to Make an Orange Creamsicle® Cake
This one builds in stages, so take it step-by-step-and let the fridge do most of the work.
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions for a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Add the orange zest to the batter and stir to combine.
- Bake according to package instructions, then let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Be patient, it's worth it.
- Use a skewer or fork to poke holes across the top of the cake.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange gelatin mix and boiling water until fully dissolved.
- Stir in the fresh orange juice.
- Slowly pour the orange mixture evenly over the cake so it settles into the holes.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Yes, really. The longer it chills, the better every slice tastes.
- To make the frosting, blend the mandarin oranges and vanilla pudding mix until combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake using a spatula.
- Add fresh orange slices, zest, sanding sugar, or mint for a finishing touch.
- Refrigerate for another 30 minutes, then slice, serve and watch it disappear.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe for Creamsicle® cake is easy to make your own. A few simple swaps can change the look, the texture, or the serving size without losing any of that classic orange-and-vanilla goodness.
- Turn the recipe into cupcakes for individual servings.
- Add a layer of vanilla pudding filling for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with extra citrus slices or zest before serving.
- Make it as a layered cake instead of a sheet cake for birthdays or celebrations.
- Add extra orange zest to the cake batter or topping for a stronger citrus flavor.
- Use whipped cream instead of whipped dessert topping for a lighter finish.
Love that orange-and-vanilla combination? Explore more Creamsicle® ice cream recipes for even more ways to enjoy it.
How to Serve
Let the cake sit for a minute or two before slicing if you'd like slightly softer layers. For a brighter finish, top each slice with fresh orange zest, citrus slices, or a little extra whipped topping.
A clean spatula or cake server helps keep the layers neat when plating. Planning a bigger spread? It pairs beautifully with this Creamsicle® board recipe for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert table.
Bring Home the Classic Orange Creamsicley® Flavor
Love the nostalgic mix of orange and smooth vanilla? Try the original Creamsicle® ice cream bar that inspired it all. Same great orange-and-vanilla combination, no baking required.
FAQs
Think of that classic Creamsicle® combination, orange and vanilla, in cake form. The orange filling adds a cool, fruity flavor, while the creamy topping balances it with a sweeter vanilla finish.
Orange Creamsicle® cake is typically made with orange and vanilla flavors inspired by the classic Creamsicle® Bar. Many versions also include orange zest, orange juice, whipped topping, or vanilla pudding to create a balance between creamy sweetness and that signature fruity finish.
Yes, and it actually gets better the longer it chills. Storing it in the refrigerator for several hours helps the filling settle into the layers for the best possible texture and flavor.
This recipe can be adapted into cupcakes by baking the batter in a muffin pan and reducing the baking time. The orange filling and creamy topping can still be added after baking, giving the cupcakes the same great flavor in smaller portions.
Light vanilla-based frostings work especially well with orange Creamsicle® cake because they balance the orange flavor without overpowering it. Whipped topping, whipped cream frosting, vanilla pudding frosting, or cream cheese frosting are all commonly used for a softer, creamy finish.
