This Orange Creamsicle Cake is like a slice of sunshine on your plate! It features a fluffy orange-flavored cake with a sweet cream layer that reminds you of your favorite frozen treat.
Seriously, who can resist a cake that tastes like summer? I love sharing this with friends and watching their smiles as they take a bite. It’s a hit at every party! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake, giving it structure and sweetness. If you want to go from scratch, you can substitute it with a homemade cake recipe using flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs.
Orange Soda: This ingredient adds a unique flavor and moistness. If you don’t have orange soda, a mix of orange juice and a splash of sparkling water can work well as a substitute.
Whipped Topping: I really enjoy using Cool Whip here for its lightness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider coconut whipped cream or a homemade whipped cream using coconut milk.
Orange Marmalade: It gives the cake a lovely citrus kick. You can swap it with orange jam or even lemon curd if you want a different flavor profile.
Orange Zest: This adds vibrant flavor. If fresh oranges are unavailable, lemon zest can offer a different citrus flavor that still works well.
How Do You Ensure the Cake Stays Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your Orange Creamsicle Cake moist and packed with orange flavor, follow these essential steps:
- Mix your cake batter until just combined; over-mixing can make the cake dry.
- Poking holes in the cake after baking lets the orange cream soaking in, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the cream topping, helping it set properly and prevent sogginess.
Refrigerating the cake before serving allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. This cake is best enjoyed when chilled!
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup orange soda (like Fanta or Crush)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For The Orange Cream Filling:
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup orange zest
For Garnish:
- Edible orange sprinkles
- Fresh mint leaves
- Orange gummy candies (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this delicious cake, plus 25-30 minutes for baking. After that, set aside at least 2 hours for the cake to chill and set up in the fridge. It’s a simple process with delightful results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan so your cake doesn’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, orange soda, and vegetable oil. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Once done, let it cool slightly in the pan for around 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Orange Cream Filling:
While your cake is baking, let’s make the yummy orange cream filling! In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture starts to thicken. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping and orange marmalade. To give it that zesty kick, stir in the orange zest. This will be the luscious layer that brings everything together!
3. Assemble the Cake:
After your cake has cooled for 10 minutes, take a skewer or fork and poke holes all over the top of it. This will help the orange cream filling soak in. Now, spread the orange cream mixture generously over the cake, ensuring it fills all the little holes. This is where the magic happens! Next, cover the cake with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let everything set up nicely.
4. Garnish and Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy your cake, take it out of the fridge. Sprinkle edible orange sprinkles on top for a fun look, add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color, and if you’d like, throw on some orange gummy candies. Slice up your refreshing Orange Creamsicle Cake and enjoy every sweet bite!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Soda?
Absolutely! While orange soda gives this cake its signature flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like lemon-lime soda or even clear soda for a different twist. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste of the cake.
What If I Don’t Have Orange Marmalade?
If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can substitute it with other fruit preserves, such as apricot or peach, for a similar sweet and fruity effect. Alternatively, you can use orange juice mixed with a bit of sugar for a lighter option, but it might not be as thick.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Just ensure that the other ingredients, especially the pudding mix, are also gluten-free for a completely gluten-free cake.
