If you’re craving a dessert that brings sunshine to your table, look no further than the Orange Creamsicle Cake. This delightful cake combines the flavors of orange and vanilla, reminiscent of your favorite creamsicle treat. It’s light, fluffy, and perfect for family gatherings or simple get-togethers.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Orange Creamsicle Cake is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s easy to prepare, making it great for bakers of all levels. Plus, this cake is always a hit! Your family will love the bright, sweet flavors, and you’ll enjoy how simple it is to whip up a batch. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially during warm weather.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 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 extract (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin mix together well.
- Pour in the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix everything on medium speed until it’s well combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter equally between both prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter on high speed until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
- If the frosting looks dry, add in the heavy cream and orange extract (if using). Beat at high speed until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Frost your cooled cakes generously and stack them beautifully. Enjoy every delightful slice of your Orange Creamsicle Cake!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake
Serve your Orange Creamsicle Cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. You can also garnish it with some orange slices or zest for an extra touch!
How to Store Orange Creamsicle Cake
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the frosting. This helps achieve that light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t skip the orange zest! It enhances the flavor and adds a nice aroma.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a fluffy cake.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate-orange twist. You could also switch the frosting to a cream cheese frosting for a different flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Can I use fresh orange juice?
Absolutely! Fresh orange juice will give your cake an even brighter flavor. Just make sure to strain it to remove any pulp if you prefer a smoother texture.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure to check the other ingredients as well.
Enjoy making and sharing this lovely Orange Creamsicle Cake with your family and friends!
