Growing up, one of my absolute favorite treats was an orange creamsicle; that perfect blend of citrus and cream was pure magic. Now, I’ve bottled that sunshine in my Orange Creamsicle Cake! This recipe is simple, quick, and brings that nostalgic flavor right to your table. If you’re a busy mom or juggling a hectic family life, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this iron rich dessert in under an hour.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Orange Creamsicle Cake
- Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps mean minimal stress.
- One-pan baking makes cleanup a breeze.
- The classic orange creamsicle flavor that everyone loves, revitalized in cake form.
What You Need To Know About Orange Creamsicle Cake
The orange creamsicle flavor is a beloved classic, evoking memories of sunny days and carefree moments. My Orange Creamsicle Cake captures that iconic flavor combination in a moist, delicious dessert that’s perfect for summer, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a taste of sunshine. It’s a convenient and delightful way to enjoy that timeless flavor without any fuss.
Key Ingredients for the Best Orange Creamsicle Cake
Let’s talk ingredients! The vanilla cake mix forms the base, while the orange zest and fresh orange juice infuse the cake with vibrant citrus flavor. I love using mandarin oranges for their sweetness, and the agar-agar helps create that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For the best orange flavor, I recommend using navel oranges. Using vanilla almondmilk adds a subtle nutty flavor, but regular milk works just as well. The quality of your cake mix matters, so choose a brand you trust for consistent results.
Orange Creamsicle Cake Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (or vanilla almondmilk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3.4 ounces orange agar-agar
- 1 ¼ cup boiling water
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake: Step-by-Step
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions, for a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, substituting vanilla almondmilk (or regular milk) for the water and adding the orange zest. (Your exact measurements may vary slightly depending on the brand of cake mix you use.)
- Bake using package directions. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for approximately 10 minutes.
- Use a skewer to poke holes in the top of the cake.
- Place orange agar-agar mix in a heat proof bowl and slowly add boiling water. Whisk until the agar-agar has completely dissolved.
- Stir in fresh orange juice.
- Carefully and slowly pour agar-agar mixture over the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Beat mandarins and pudding mix together until combined.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until incorporated.
- Spread on cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Clara’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake
Want to get creative? Try baking this recipe as creamsicle cupcakes! Just adjust the baking time accordingly, I’d start checking at 15 minutes. Another fun idea is to bake the batter in mini bundt pans for individual desserts. I’ve found the secret to getting the agar-agar to dissolve perfectly is to add the boiling water very slowly while whisking constantly. I promise, you can do this!
Why This Orange Creamsicle Cake Works
The orange zest is so important in this recipe because I’m combining it with the sugar first! This helps to extract the essential oils, resulting in a stronger orange flavor throughout the cake. The agar-agar creates a unique texture that mimics the creamy center of an orange creamsicle, and the mandarin oranges add sweetness and moisture.
Recipe Variations for Orange Creamsicle Cake
Craving a twist? Here are some fun variations!
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Blood Orange | Use blood orange juice and zest for a richer, slightly tart flavor. |
| Key Lime | Substitute lime juice and zest for orange. Use a graham cracker crust for a key lime pie-inspired version. |
| Layered Cake | Bake the batter in cake pans instead, then add the creamsicle topping between the layers. |
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can bake the cake a day ahead of time and store it, covered, at room temperature. Prepare the agar-agar mixture and refrigerate it separately. Assemble the cake just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the whole cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. For individual slices, wrap each slice separately. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Scaling the Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
To scale the recipe down, halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8 inch pan, reducing the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. To scale it up, double the ingredients and use two 9×13 inch pans or one larger sheet pan, keeping a close eye on the baking time.
Equipment Recommendations
I recommend using a light-colored metal baking pan for even baking. Glass pans can sometimes cause the edges to over-bake. My favorite is a simple Wilton 9×13 pan; it’s reliable and affordable.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Is your cake dry? Make sure you’re not overbaking it! Check for doneness with a toothpick. If your agar-agar doesn’t set, it might not have been heated enough, or the ratio of agar-agar to liquid may be off. Follow the recipe carefully, and ensure the water is boiling when you add it to the agar-agar.
How to Store Your Orange Creamsicle Cake
Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, to keep it fresh. It will last for up to 3-4 days. I like to use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes! Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I lighten this cake up at all? Absolutely! Use a sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free pudding mix. You can also use light Cool Whip.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated? Yes, because of the dairy in the topping, it’s best to refrigerate this cake.
Can I make this into a layered cake? Definitely! Bake the batter in round cake pans, and layer the creamsicle topping between the cake layers.
Can I use a different flavor of agar-agar? While orange agar-agar complements the recipe beautifully, you can experiment with other citrus flavors like lemon or lime.
More Delicious Cake Recipes
If you loved this Orange Creamsicle Cake, be sure to check out my Lemon Blueberry Cake and my Easy Chocolate Cake!
Magic Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions, for a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, substituting vanilla almondmilk (or regular milk) for the water and adding the orange zest. (Your exact measurements may vary slightly depending on the brand of cake mix you use.)
- Bake using package directions. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for approximately 10 minutes.
- Use a skewer to poke holes in the top of the cake.
- Place orange agar-agar mix in a heat proof bowl and slowly add boiling water. Whisk until the agar-agar has completely dissolved.
- Stir in fresh orange juice.
- Carefully and slowly pour agar-agar mixture over the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Beat mandarins and pudding mix together until combined.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until incorporated.
- Spread on cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Conclusion
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of sunshine that’s easy to share with your family and friends. I hope this recipe brings a little joy to your kitchen and a smile to your face. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite summer flavors? Did you try any variations of this recipe? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create!
