This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe brings together bright citrus flavor and smooth vanilla sweetness in one soft, nostalgic dessert. Inspired by the classic creamsicle treat, this cake is simple to make, beautifully layered, and perfect for celebrations or everyday baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, moist texture with fresh orange flavor
- Easy semi-homemade method using cake mix
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Perfect balance of citrus and creamy vanilla
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix (use halal-certified gelatin or agar-based alternative)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons orange extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin until well combined.
- Add orange juice, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then heavy cream and orange extract. Beat until smooth.
- Assemble by frosting one layer, stacking the second layer, and frosting the outside. This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is now ready to enjoy.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for brighter flavor
- Chill cake layers before frosting for cleaner edges
- Substitute orange extract with extra zest for a natural option
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or fresh orange slices
- Can be made as cupcakes; adjust baking time to 18–20 minutes
Nutrition (Approximate, per slice)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 20g
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day ahead and frost before serving.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of gelatin?
Gelatin gives the signature creamsicle color and flavor, but zest and juice can work with slight texture changes.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Add a pinch of salt or extra cream to balance sweetness.
Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months
- Reheating: Bring to room temperature before serving
Similar Recipes
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 box 3 oz orange gelatin mix (use halal-certified gelatin or agar-based alternative)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Frosting
- 1 cup butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons orange extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin until well combined.
- Add orange juice, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then heavy cream and orange extract. Beat until smooth.
- Assemble by frosting one layer, stacking the second layer, and frosting the outside. This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is now ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or fresh orange slices
- Can be made as cupcakes; adjust baking time to 18–20 minutes
Conclusion
This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is a reliable, cheerful dessert that delivers bold citrus flavor with creamy sweetness every time. Whether for birthdays, gatherings, or a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.