Do Share Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe—it instantly took me back to childhood summers and orange popsicles melting in my hands. I wanted a cake that felt light, citrusy, and creamy at the same time, and this recipe delivered exactly that. When I sliced into it, the soft orange cake paired with the fluffy vanilla-orange frosting felt nostalgic and fresh.

I made it for a family gathering, and everyone kept asking for seconds. Now, whenever I want an easy but impressive dessert, this is the cake I come back to again and again. You can also enjoy similar desserts like Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe or Chocolate Mint Brownies Recipe alongside this cake.

Ingredients Section

Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it works so well in this recipe.

Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz) – keeps the recipe simple and consistent, while letting the orange flavor shine.
Orange gelatin mix (1 small box, 3 oz) – adds both color and a bold orange flavor like a creamsicle.
Eggs (3 large) – provide structure and richness; room temperature eggs mix more smoothly.
Vegetable oil (½ cup) – keeps the cake extra moist compared to butter, especially after chilling.
Orange juice (¾ cup, freshly squeezed if possible) – fresh juice gives brighter citrus flavor than bottled.
Orange zest (1 tablespoon) – boosts the orange aroma and enhances flavor without extra sugar.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 small box, 3.4 oz) – thickens frosting and adds a creamy custard-like texture.
Milk (1½ cups, cold) – cold milk helps pudding set properly and keeps frosting light.
Whipped topping (1 tub, 8 oz, thawed) – fold gently to maintain an airy, fluffy frosting.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – enhances the creamy vanilla notes and balances citrus flavor.

Note: This ingredient quantity yields approximately 12 generous servings.

Variations

This cake is flexible, and I’ve tried a few tweaks that worked beautifully.

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free whipped topping and almond or oat milk for the pudding.
To make it lower in sugar, opt for sugar-free gelatin and sugar-free pudding mix.
If you want more depth, add a layer of mandarin orange slices between the cake and frosting.
For extra citrus punch, swap half the orange juice with lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need from start to finish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools makes this recipe smooth and stress-free.

Mixing bowls – for combining dry and wet ingredients evenly
Hand mixer or stand mixer – helps create a smooth, lump-free batter
Measuring cups and spoons – ensures accurate ingredient ratios
9×13-inch baking pan – ideal size for even baking and serving
Spatula – useful for folding frosting and spreading it neatly

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple steps and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Each stage builds flavor and texture, so don’t rush the process. Follow these steps for the best results every time.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, I mix the cake mix and orange gelatin until evenly combined. Then I add eggs, oil, orange juice, and zest, mixing until smooth. The batter should look thick but pourable, with a vibrant orange color.

Bake the Cake

I pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and level the top gently. The cake bakes at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. I check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.

Cool the Cake Completely

Once baked, I let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. After that, I leave it at room temperature until fully cooled. This step is important so the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off.

Make the Creamsicle Frosting

In a bowl, I whisk the pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until thickened. Then I gently fold in the whipped topping until fluffy and smooth. The frosting should be light, creamy, and easy to spread.

Frost and Chill

I spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. After frosting, I refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors blend and gives clean, neat slices.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this cake several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make it even better.

I always zest the orange before juicing it; it’s much easier that way.
I chill the cake overnight when I can—the flavor is even better the next day.
I use an offset spatula to get a smooth, bakery-style frosting finish.
I tap the pan gently on the counter before baking to remove air bubbles.

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe?

This cake is best served cold straight from the refrigerator. I like cutting it into neat squares for easy serving at parties. For presentation, garnish with orange slices, extra zest, or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with iced tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional value per serving.

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per slice
Protein: About 4 grams per serving
Carbohydrates: Roughly 45 grams per slice
Fat: Around 14 grams per serving

Make Ahead and Storage

This cake is perfect for planning ahead and storing without losing quality.

Make Ahead

I often make this cake a day in advance for events or gatherings. The chilled time actually improves the flavor and texture. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s well covered to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this cake has become a favorite in my kitchen.

It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
The orange and vanilla flavors are perfectly balanced and nostalgic.
It’s versatile enough for birthdays, potlucks, or casual desserts.
The make-ahead option saves time and reduces stress.
You can customize it easily with different flavors or dietary swaps.

This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is light, creamy, and full of bright citrus flavor.
Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a go-to dessert in your home too.

Ben Carraoli