Name: Orange Creamsicle Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix; 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix; 1 cup orange juice; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp orange zest; 1 cup butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp heavy cream; 2 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)

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If there’s one dessert that can bring back all the nostalgia of a hot summer day while making your kitchen smell like a citrusy dream, it’s the Orange Creamsicle Cake! Imagine the creamy, tangy flavor of your favorite childhood popsicle, now elevated into a show-stopping cake that’s perfect for any celebration. Today, I’m walking you through how to create this zesty, bright, and utterly delightful dessert. And trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Orange Creamsicle Cake

Before diving into the recipe, let’s chat about why this cake is so special. First, it’s packed with layers of orange flavor, balanced perfectly by the richness of vanilla and buttery frosting. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because, this cake will steal the spotlight. Plus, the ingredients are super straightforward, so you don’t need to be a master baker to pull it off.

Now that I’ve hyped you up (and probably made you crave a slice), here’s how to make it step by step.

Getting Started: Prepare the Cake

To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, the key is in the prep work. Here’s how to begin:

Ingredients for the Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix
1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix
1 cup orange juice
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. This step is non-negotiable unless you enjoy the thrill of potentially scraping cake out of a pan (hint: you don’t). The greasing and flouring combo ensures your cake slides out effortlessly later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin mix. The gelatin not only boosts the orange flavor but also gives the cake its signature color and moist texture. Pro tip: Sift these together for an extra smooth batter.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The aroma of fresh orange zest at this stage? Pure magic!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While your cakes are baking, don’t forget to enjoy the citrusy scent wafting through your kitchen. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely

The Frosting and Assembly—Orange Creamsicle Heaven

Now that your cake layers are cooling and the smell of citrus is still lingering in the air, it’s time to move on to my favorite part—the frosting! The buttercream frosting in this recipe is light, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a subtle orange kick. Trust me, this frosting brings everything together into a dreamy Orange Creamsicle experience.

Making the Perfect Orange Creamsicle Frosting

Frosting can make or break a cake, but don’t worry—I’ve got all the tips to make yours absolutely flawless.

Ingredients for the Frosting:

1 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp orange liqueur (optional but highly recommended)

Step 1: Whip the Butter

Start by beating the softened butter on high speed until it’s light and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes. The trick to a velvety frosting is ensuring the butter is properly aerated before adding any other ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Sugar Gradually

Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Beat well after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This gradual approach prevents a powdered sugar explosion all over your kitchen (been there, done that).

Step 3: Incorporate the Liquid Magic

Once the sugar is fully mixed in, add the heavy cream and orange liqueur. If you’re skipping the liqueur, you can replace it with extra orange juice for a booze-free option. Beat the frosting on high speed until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Orange Creamsicle Cake

This is where the magic truly happens! It’s time to take those perfectly baked cake layers and transform them into a masterpiece.

Step 1: Layer the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting across the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed to create a stable base for the next layer.

Step 2: Add the Second Layer

Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosted one. Press lightly to secure it. At this point, your cake is starting to look like a real showstopper.

Step 3: Frost the Entire Cake

Using a spatula or frosting knife, spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out for a polished look, or use the back of a spoon or spatula to create fun swirls and textures for a more playful vibe.

Step 4: Optional Decorations

For an extra pop of flair, you can garnish the cake with a sprinkle of orange zest, candied orange slices, or even white chocolate curls. These little touches make it look as good as it tastes.

Pro Tips for Success

Chill the Cake Layers: If your cake layers are still a little warm, pop them in the fridge for about 20 minutes before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Keep It Simple: If decorating intimidates you, don’t stress! A few decorative swirls on top are all you need to make this cake look gorgeous.
Boost the Orange Flavor: If you’re a fan of bold citrus, consider adding a few drops of orange food coloring to the frosting for a vibrant creamsicle hue.