Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake recipe is a dreamy citrus dessert with the nostalgic flavor of the classic orange creamsicle popsicle. A soft, moist orange cake base pairs perfectly with creamy vanilla frosting made from pudding and whipped topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or anytime you crave a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box orange cake mix (or vanilla cake mix + 1 tbsp orange zest + 1/2 tsp orange extract)
- 3 eggs (or as directed on cake mix)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice (can substitute half for water if needed)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 8 oz whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional, for richer frosting)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for homemade frosting)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 small box orange gelatin (optional for marbling or poke cake)
- Orange zest or candied orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans.
- In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, replacing part of the water with orange juice and adding orange zest. Mix well.
- Pour into prepared pan(s) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- In another bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Fold in whipped topping and softened cream cheese (if using) until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake. For a layer cake, frost between layers and around the sides.
- Garnish with orange zest or candied orange slices if desired. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For a fun twist, poke holes in the cake and pour in prepared orange gelatin for a creamsicle poke cake.
- For homemade frosting, skip the pudding and mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and vanilla.
- This cake tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Add orange extract to the frosting for extra orange punch.
