This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a fluffy orange delight that tastes just like your favorite childhood treat! With its vibrant flavor and creamy frosting, it’s sure to brighten up any day.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix, bake, and frost. Trust me, you’ll want a slice (or two) to relive those sweet summer days! 🍊✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake. If you want to make it from scratch, substitute with flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. A gluten-free cake mix will also work if needed.
Orange Soda: For a zesty twist, use any orange-flavored soda. If you’re looking to cut sugar, opt for a sugar-free version or replace it with orange juice, though that might make it a bit less sweet.
Jell-O: The orange Jell-O adds both flavor and moisture. If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use another fruit Jell-O, like peach or strawberry, but remember, it will change the cake’s taste.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using low-fat whipped cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Whipped Topping: While Cool Whip is great for ease, homemade whipped cream works beautifully too. Just whip some heavy cream with sugar as you would in this recipe!
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture When Baking the Cake?
Baking the perfect cake involves a few key steps to ensure a fluffy, moist result. Here’s how to get it just right:
- **Mixing:** Make sure to beat the cake mix thoroughly (2-3 minutes) for good aeration. This helps the cake rise.
- **Cooling:** Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the Jell-O. If it’s warm, the Jell-O won’t absorb properly.
- **Poking Holes:** Don’t rush this step! Poking evenly spaced holes allows the Jell-O to seep in nicely, creating that moist texture.
Following these steps will ensure your Orange Creamsicle Cake is not just tasty but has the wonderful texture you crave!
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup orange soda (like Fanta or Crush)
For The Jell-O Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) box of orange Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
For The Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For Garnishing:
- Orange jellied candies
- Fresh mint leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare, along with 25-30 minutes to bake, plus a bit of chilling time. After baking, you’ll need at least 2 hours for the Jell-O to set, and another 30 minutes for the final chill. So, plan for about 3 hours total, with some of that time just waiting for the cake to cool and set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Bake the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat everything together until well mixed, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once mixed, pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool completely in the dish.
2. Prepare the Orange Jell-O:
After your cake has cooled, it’s time to make the orange Jell-O. In a bowl, dissolve the Jell-O powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until it’s completely dissolved and then let it cool down a bit. Next, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake using a fork. This will help the Jell-O soak in better. Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Now, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours so the Jell-O can set perfectly.
3. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
While your cake is chilling, make the creamy topping! In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks start to form. Then, gently mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep whipping until you’re seeing stiff peaks. Now, take the whipped topping and fold it into your whipped cream mixture until it’s well combined. Once your cake has set, spread this fluffy cream mixture evenly over the top of the soaked cake.
4. Garnish and Chill:
To finish off your Orange Creamsicle Cake, garnish it with orange jellied candies and fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Finally, chill the cake in the fridge for another 30 minutes before serving. This extra chill time helps enhance the flavor and texture, making it even more delicious!
Enjoy your delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake!
Can I Substitute the Yellow Cake Mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your cake from scratch, you can use a homemade vanilla cake recipe. Just ensure the batter consistency is similar to that of the yellow cake mix. You can also use gluten-free cake mix if you’re looking for a gluten-free option!
What If I Don’t Have Orange Soda?
No worries! If you’re out of orange soda, you can substitute it with a mixture of orange juice and sparkling water. Use about 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of sparkling water to keep that fizzy texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep the cream topping fresh, make sure it’s covered well. If the cake becomes too moist, you might want to place a piece of parchment paper between the cake and the lid to absorb excess moisture.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This cake is excellent for making ahead. Just prepare it the day before serving and allow it to chill overnight after adding the Jell-O. This will enhance the flavor and make it even more refreshing!
