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

Scale

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
⅓ 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

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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.