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Easy Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe - Bright, Fresh, and Simple

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cake: 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 3 large eggs (or per box directions)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or per box directions)
  • 1 cup orange juice (replace the water in the box directions)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Orange soak: 1 box orange gelatin (3 oz)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold orange juice (or cold water)
  • Creamsicle topping: 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh orange slices or extra zest

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment if you want easy removal.
  2. Mix the cake: In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and slightly fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Bake: Pour into the pan and bake 23–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back.
  4. Cool slightly: Let the cake cool 10–15 minutes. Poke holes all over the surface with a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon.
  5. Make the orange soak: Dissolve the orange gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold orange juice. Mix well.
  6. Soak the cake: Slowly pour the warm gelatin mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Chill uncovered for 30 minutes, then cover and chill at least 2 hours.
  7. Make the topping: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
  8. Frost and finish: Spread the creamsicle topping over the chilled cake. Add zest or orange slices if using. Chill 30–60 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve: Cut into squares. Keep the cake cold for the best texture and flavor.