Orange Creamsicle Cake is loaded with orange flavor and tastes like a dreamsicle. This easy to make poke cake has a light and fluffy topping for the perfect dessert for potlucks, parties and more.
If you love Orange Desserts, this cake recipe is a must try. Each bite is so moist, and the orange flavor is amazing. The secret is in the orange juice, and it makes all the difference!
The frosting is a creamy combination of whipped topping and pudding. It makes for a light and not overly sweet topping that you will love! I made this for a party and everyone raved about it. Each bite is flavor packed!
If you love this Orange Creamsicle Cake, make sure to also try Orange Fluff and Orange Pudding.
Why We Love This
It’s easy to make using a simple 9×13 pan instead of round cake pans. The entire recipe is effortless, but the flavor is absolutely delicious.
It starts with a box mix and a few simple other ingredients. Anyone can make this.
Ingredients
- White Cake Mix. You can use a yellow box cake mix but the orange swirl will not be as vibrant.
- Orange Juice. Use your favorite brand of orange juice or fresh orange juice but I recommend one without pulp.
- Orange Jello. You can use a store brand box of orange jello.
- Vanilla Instant Pudding. Make sure that you use instant vanilla pudding mix or it won’t set correctly.
- Whole Milk. You can use reduced fat but whole milk makes the topping richer.
- Cool Whip. This combines with the pudding mix for the most delicious topping.
- Mandarin Oranges. These are optional but I like to garnish the cake with a few slices.
Find the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1. Get started by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Then spray a 9-inch x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2. Follow the vanilla cake mix instructions on the box but substitute orange juice for the water. Whisk together the dry ingredients and wet ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed and scrape down the sides. You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer.
Step 3. Once combined, pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for the time specified on the cake mix box for a 9×13 pan. You should be able to insert a toothpick, and only moist crumbs come out.
Step 4. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Step 5. Use a fork, wooden skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake. You can also use the end of a wooden spoon.
Step 6. Mix together the box of orange gelatin with the boiling hot water. Then pour over the cake so it soaks into the holes. Refrigerate to cool the cake completely.
Step 7. Make the topping. Get out a large bowl and combine the vanilla pudding mix with the milk. Then add the cool whip and combine until smooth.
Step 8. Carefully spread the cool whip mixture all over the cooled cake layer with an offset spatula. If using the mandarin oranges, place on top of the cake.
Step 9. Slice and enjoy! It is also good with vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet.
Storage
Cover this orange creamsicle poke cake and store in the refrigerator 2-3 days. Any longer and the cake will start to get soggy.
Expert Tips
- Be careful poking holes. You don’t want too many holes, or the cake will end up all orange. You want enough space in between the holes so it will have that pretty white and orange swirl when sliced.
- Chill before frosting. This gives the jello time to really soak into the cake.
- More orange flavor. You can add 2 Tablespoons orange zest to the cake batter.
- Lighter options. You can use sugar free jello, pudding and whipped cream to lighten the cake.
- Clean and pretty slices. Run your knife under warm water and wipe clean between slices.
- Topping. You can omit the topping and just sprinkle powdered sugar. Or for something sweeter, try Jello Frosting.
More Orange Desserts
I’m so excited for you to make this Orange Dreamsicle Cake. Please leave a comment once you try it.
Orange Creamsicle Cake
Ingredients
- 1 White Cake Mix
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- 1 box Orange Jello 6 ounces
- 2 Cups Boiling Water
- Vanilla Instant Pudding 3.4 oz
- 1 Cup Whole Milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 15 oz Mandarin Oranges drained (for topping)
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix together the cake mix according to the box instructions but substitute orange juice for the water.
- Pout the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for the time specified on the cake mix box.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Poke holes evenly all over the cake with a fork.
- Combine the jello with the boiling water. Once mixed together, pour over the cake so it soaks into the holes.
- Refrigerate to cool the cake completely.
- Use a large mixing bowl to combine the vanilla pudding mix with the milk. Then add the cool whip and combine until smooth.
- Spread the cool whip mixture all over the cake once cool. Garnish with mandarin orange slices.
- Then the cake is ready to slice, serve and enjoy!
