If you’re craving a dessert that’s fun, nostalgic, and bursting with citrusy sunshine, look no further than this Orange Creamsicle Cake. This cake captures the irresistible flavors of a classic orange creamsicle, blending zesty oranges and creamy vanilla in a moist, ultra-refreshing treat that’s perfect for any celebration—or just when you need a burst of summer any time of year.

Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this recipe is handpicked for maximum flavor impact while keeping things simple. Each ingredient plays a unique role in building the dreamy taste, bold color, and creamy texture you expect from an Orange Creamsicle Cake.

Vanilla cake mix: The base that keeps things easy, moist, and reliably delicious, ready to soak up all those orange and cream flavors.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness, helping your cake bake up nice and fluffy every time.
Milk or vanilla almondmilk: Swaps in for water to make the cake extra tender, while infusing another layer of vanilla flavor.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures the cake stays super soft, never dry.
Orange zest: Fresh zest brightens the cake itself with real citrus oils, making every bite pop with orange perfume.
Orange JELLO: This is the secret punch of orange flavor and signature creamsicle color—don’t skip it!
Boiling water: Activates the JELLO and lets it seep into the baked cake for that juicy, moist crumb.
Fresh squeezed orange juice: Brings tangy freshness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Mandarin oranges (don’t drain!): Soft, juicy mandarin pieces become little flavor bursts in the dreamy topping.
Vanilla instant pudding mix: Adds creamy body to the frosting and amps up the vanilla flavor.
Cool Whip: Gives the topping that cloud-like texture and iconic “creamsicle” finish.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake

Step 1: Make the Fluffy Vanilla Cake

Start by preparing your cake mix according to the package instructions, swapping milk or vanilla almondmilk for water, and adding freshly grated orange zest right into the batter. This sneaky tweak not only makes the cake richer, but gives it a burst of real citrus that tastes just like the frozen treat you loved as a kid. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed, then cool for about 10 minutes—but no peeking or poking until it’s set up a bit!

Step 2: Poke and Soak

Once your cake is lightly cooled, grab a skewer or the handle of a thin wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top (this is the seriously fun part!). These tunnels are just waiting to soak up that vibrant orange JELLO mixture, ensuring every bite tastes like a creamsicle dream.

Step 3: Mix Up the JELLO Layer

In a heatproof bowl, combine the orange JELLO powder with the boiling water, whisking until it’s completely dissolved. For an authentic flavor boost, stir in freshly squeezed orange juice. When you pour this gently and slowly over the cake, watch as it sinks into the holes, turning your cake into a bright orange sponge. Chill the whole thing in the fridge for at least three hours so the flavors have time to meld and the JELLO can set.

Step 4: Make the Mandarin Orange Frosting

For the crowning glory, beat together those juicy canned mandarin oranges (juice and all!) with the vanilla pudding mix until they’re fully blended. Then, gently fold in the Cool Whip, keeping the topping airy and light as a cloud. You’ve just created a frosting that’s sweet, tangy, fluffy, and totally reminiscent of eating an orange creamsicle on a sunny day.

Step 5: Frost and Chill

Once the cake is fully cooled and the orange JELLO layer is set, spread your Mandarin Orange Frosting liberally across the top. Give it one last chill—at least 30 minutes. This helps the topping set and makes the cake super refreshing when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra orange zest over the frosted cake for a fragrant, colorful finish, or top with a few whole mandarin segments to give it that wow factor. If you’re feeling playful, a handful of rainbow sprinkles or white chocolate curls add a festive touch that’s perfect for parties.

Side Dishes

Pair slices of Orange Creamsicle Cake with a crisp fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a tangy lemon sorbet for an extra burst of citrus. These sides keep the vibe light and brighten up your dessert table, especially in the warmer months.

Creative Ways to Present

You can turn this cake into adorable individual parfaits by layering cubes of the cake and frosting in clear glasses—great for showers, birthdays, or any time you want to make dessert extra special. Alternatively, cut into circles with a biscuit cutter for single-serve treats, or serve on a platter lined with fresh orange slices for a dramatic centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The creamy topping and JELLO-infused cake actually taste even better after a day or two, making Orange Creamsicle Cake a make-ahead winner for parties and potlucks.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag. For the finished (frosted) cake, freezing isn’t recommended as the creamy topping can separate after thawing. Stick to chilling in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

This cake is designed to be served chilled, so there’s no need for reheating. Just slice, plate, and enjoy straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen a slice (unfrosted), let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the dreamy frosting and serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream makes an amazing (and a bit richer) substitute. Just whip about a cup of heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and fold that into the mandarin orange and pudding mixture in place of Cool Whip.

Can I make Orange Creamsicle Cake in advance?

Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows all the luscious flavors to blend and will produce an even more moist, flavorful cake. Keep it well-covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes—just swap the cake mix for your favorite gluten-free vanilla cake mix and double-check that your pudding and JELLO brands are gluten-free as well. Everything else stays the same, so everyone can enjoy a slice!

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

The best way is to use a fine microplane grater and only remove the colored zest—not the bitter white pith underneath. Zest the orange before you juice it for the recipe to make things easier.

Can I use other citrus flavors?

Feel free to experiment! Lemon or lime JELLO will give you a tangy twist, and you can mix in different zests to complement the orange. But for that classic Orange Creamsicle Cake flavor, stick to orange for the full nostalgic experience.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is pure joy in every bite, radiating happy, summery vibes whether you serve it at a birthday, barbecue, or just to brighten up a weeknight. Give it a try and let its dreamy orange-vanilla magic put a smile on everyone’s face—you just might start a new family favorite!

Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of a classic creamsicle popsicle. A light and fluffy vanilla cake infused with orange zest, soaked in orange JELLO, and topped with a mandarin orange frosting, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its refreshing citrus flavors.

Instructions

Vanilla Cake: Prepare cake mix according to package directions, for a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, substituting vanilla almondmilk (or regular milk) for the water and adding the orange zest. Bake using package directions. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for approximately 10 minutes.
JELLO Mixture: Use a skewer to poke holes in the top of the cake. Place orange JELLO mix in a heat proof bowl and slowly add boiling water. Whisk until the JELLO has completely dissolved. Stir in fresh orange juice. Carefully and slowly pour JELLO mixture over the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Mandarin Orange Frosting: Beat mandarins and pudding mix together until combined. Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until incorporated. Spread on cooled cake. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American