If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that captures the vibrant flavors of summer with a creamy, dreamy twist, this Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture a moist vanilla cake soaked with a zesty orange JELL-O glaze, topped with luscious mandarin pudding whipped cream—each bite bursting with sunshine and nostalgia. It’s the perfect way to celebrate warm days, family gatherings, or simply treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss that feels like a retro summer dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cake strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, with ingredients you likely already have on hand or can easily find. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s the light but rich cake base, the fresh citrus notes, or the creamy topping that completes the dish.
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix: Provides a fluffy, tender base that’s subtly sweet and perfect for soaking up the citrus glaze.
- 3 large eggs: Adds structure and moisture ensuring the cake rises beautifully.
- 1 cup milk or vanilla almond milk: Offers a creamy texture and depth of flavor, with the almond milk adding a delicate nuttiness if you prefer.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Packs an intense burst of citrus aroma and brightness right into the cake batter.
- 3.4 ounces orange JELL-O: The secret ingredient that makes the cake shimmer with juicy orange goodness once soaked in.
- 1.25 cups boiling water: Essential for perfectly dissolving the JELL-O and infusing the cake.
- â…“ cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Enhances the glaze with natural sweetness and fresh citrus zing.
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain): Adds tender fruit pieces that make every bite delightful.
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix: Creates a thick, creamy layer that complements the cake’s texture.
- 8 ounces Cool Whip: Adds a light, airy finish to the pudding, making the topping wonderfully fluffy.
How to Make Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by mixing your vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions, but with a small twist: swap out the water for milk or vanilla almond milk to add richness. Don’t forget to fold in the orange zest—it’s the little boost that makes the batter sing with citrus notes. Pour the batter into a 9 x 13 inch pan and bake as directed. Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool on a rack for about 10 minutes; this sets the stage for soaking.
Step 2: Create the Orange JELL-O Soak
While the cake cools, dissolve the orange JELL-O in boiling water, whisking until fully dissolved to avoid any lumps. Stir in the fresh orange juice for an extra pop of flavor. The JELL-O mixture is what transforms this from a simple cake to the star of the show—poured gently over the cake, it seeps into every nook, turning it into an irresistible, citrus-infused delight.
Step 3: Infuse the Cake
Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. This little trick allows the JELL-O mixture to soak deep, saturating the cake layers with that wonderful orange flavor. Pour the cooled JELL-O glaze slowly and evenly over the cake. Then pop it into the refrigerator for at least three hours—patience here is key to letting those flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Mandarin Cream Topping
Once the cake is thoroughly chilled and set, it’s time for the luscious topping. Beat the canned mandarins (with juice!) and vanilla instant pudding mix together until smooth. This mixture will thicken up nicely. Next, gently fold in the Cool Whip until it’s fully combined; this lightens the pudding into a fluffy, creamy spread that complements the citrusy cake perfectly. Spread it evenly across the cake’s surface.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Return the cake to the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the topping to set and the flavors to meld. This final chill also helps make slicing clean and easy, so each piece holds its creamy, juicy layers with pride.
How to Serve Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can add a lovely touch of elegance and a pop of freshness that complements the creamy orange flavors. If you want to be extra festive, add thin slices of fresh orange or even a few mini marshmallows reminiscent of classic creamsicle treats.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light, summery sides. A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh berries balances the sweetness perfectly. For a richer feast, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or tangy Greek yogurt to complement the cake’s creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve this cake in clear glass dishes or trifle bowls layered with extra mandarins and whipped cream on top. You can also cut the cake into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for a fun party finger food. The vibrant orange hues will brighten up any dessert table and invite everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy those summer flavors long after the initial celebration.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead on a larger scale, you can freeze the cake without the Cool Whip topping for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the fresh topping.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing to bring out the best creamy textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus flavors in this Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe?
Absolutely! While orange is classic here, lemon or tangerine zest and juice can make delightful substitutions that offer a fresh twist while keeping the creamy citrus vibe intact.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, swapping milk with almond milk works great, and you can find dairy-free pudding mixes and whipped toppings to maintain the creamy texture without the dairy.
How do I make sure the JELL-O glaze soaks into the cake evenly?
Poking holes with a skewer before pouring the JELL-O ensures that the glaze seeps deep and distributes moisture and flavor throughout the cake instead of just sitting on top.
Can I prepare this cake the day before a party?
Definitely! This cake actually benefits from chilling overnight as it allows the flavors to fully develop and the texture to settle perfectly for serving.
What makes this Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe different from a regular orange cake?
The magic is in the JELL-O soak and the creamy mandarin-pudding topping, which replicate that nostalgic creamsicle flavor profile in a moist, textured cake format that’s refreshing and fun.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe is a standout dessert you will want to make all summer long. Its beautiful balance of creamy, zesty, and sweet elements makes it not just a cake, but a celebration of all things sunny and bright. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite to share with friends and family at every summer occasion.
Print
Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake is a refreshing summer dessert that combines the flavors of vanilla cake, zesty orange, and creamy pudding. Featuring a light and moist cake base infused with orange zest and topped with a luscious orange JELLO glaze and a whipped mandarin orange pudding layer, this cake is perfect for warm weather gatherings and sure to delight guests with its vibrant citrusy flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Cake
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Orange JELLO Mixture
- 3.4 ounces orange JELLO
- 1.25 cups boiling water
- â…“ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Topping
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions for a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Substitute the water with milk or vanilla almond milk, and add the orange zest to the batter for a fresh citrus flavor. Pour the batter into the pan and bake as directed. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Use a skewer to gently poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. This will help the JELLO mixture to seep in and infuse the cake with flavor as it sets.
- Make the Orange JELLO Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, combine the orange JELLO mix with boiling water. Whisk thoroughly until the JELLO has completely dissolved. Stir in the fresh squeezed orange juice to enhance the citrus notes.
- Pour JELLO Over Cake and Chill: Carefully and slowly pour the prepared JELLO mixture over the top of the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours to allow the JELLO to set and the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, beat the drained mandarin oranges together with the vanilla instant pudding mix until well combined. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Assemble and Final Chill: Spread the creamy mandarin pudding topping evenly over the chilled cake. Return the cake to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set.
Notes
- Use vanilla almond milk as a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
- Ensure the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes before poking holes to prevent breaking.
- Allow sufficient chilling time for the JELLO to fully set for best texture.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add extra orange zest to the cake batter or topping.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
