If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats that bring sunshine to your taste buds, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a moist, tender white cake infused with bright orange soda and zesty citrus notes, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly captures the essence of the classic creamsicle. It’s a playful, vibrant dessert that’s both simple to make and irresistible to eat, ideal for summer gatherings or whenever you crave a slice of pure delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking this mouthwatering Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the fizzy orange soda that keeps the cake incredibly moist, to the silky cream cheese in the frosting that adds richness and tang, creating the iconic creamsicle flavor.
- White cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): A convenient base that ensures your cake is light and fluffy every time.
- Orange soda (1 cup): Provides moisture and vibrant citrus flavor that sets this cake apart.
- Large eggs (3): Help bind the batter and contribute to a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft without overpowering flavors.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds an extra burst of fresh citrus aroma and depth.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting, giving it creamy tanginess and smooth texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Balances the cream cheese for richness in the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky and spreadable.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor complexity and rounds out the citrus notes.
- Orange juice (2 tablespoons): Adds freshness and light acidity to the frosting.
- Orange food coloring (a few drops, optional): Gives your frosting that classic creamsicle tint to wow your guests.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan—this ensures the cake bakes evenly and comes out clean. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, orange soda, eggs, vegetable oil, and if you’re using it, orange zest for that extra zing. Beat until you get a smooth and velvety batter, full of bubbly citrus goodness.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This part releases delightful orange aromas while the batter transforms into a fluffy cake that’s packed with moist texture thanks to the magical orange soda.
Step 3: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool fully in the pan. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting when you spread it later. Cooling also allows the flavors to develop even further, making your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe taste just that much better.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
While your cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice, beating until the frosting is fluffy and light. If you want that iconic creamsicle look, stir in a couple of drops of orange food coloring—it’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once your cake has completely cooled, spread the luscious frosting evenly across the top with a spatula. For neater slices, refrigerate the cake for about 20 minutes to let the frosting set. Now you have a dreamy, citrusy masterpiece ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe even more festive, try sprinkling some additional orange zest on top or adding a few thin slices of fresh orange. Candied orange peel or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add charming, subtle touches that impress both the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Fresh berries or a fruit salad with tropical notes like mango and pineapple nicely complement the creamy orange flavor while keeping the dessert feeling light.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe into individual servings by cutting it into cute squares and serving them in mini cupcake liners. You could also layer the cake with frosting and orange segments in clear parfait glasses to create an eye-catching trifle. Either way, presentation never felt so fun and fresh!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Orange Creamsicle Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. Stored properly, it will remain moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, giving you ample time to savor every last bite.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for longer storage by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the cake’s texture and frosting consistency.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer slightly warmer slices, a few seconds in the microwave will do, but be cautious to avoid melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without orange soda?
Orange soda is key to achieving that authentic moist texture and vibrant orange flavor in this recipe. However, you could substitute it with freshly squeezed orange juice combined with a bit of sparkling water for some fizz, but expect a slightly different texture.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe as written uses a standard white cake mix, which usually contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
While you can swap vegetable oil for melted butter, using oil keeps the cake extra moist and tender. Butter may make the cake a bit denser and change the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a bit more cream cheese and orange juice. This will balance the tangy and sweet flavors beautifully without overwhelming your palate.
Can I add other flavors to this cake?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting or folding in finely chopped candied orange peel into the batter can add extra layers of flavor without detracting from the signature creamsicle taste.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels like a celebration in every bite yet is effortless to make. Its bright, cheerful flavors and moist texture promise to brighten your dessert table and bring smiles to everyone lucky enough to try it. Give this recipe a whirl—you might just find yourself baking it again and again!
Print
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is a delightful blend of classic white cake enhanced with the bright, citrusy flavor of orange soda and zest, topped with a creamy orange-infused frosting. Perfect for a refreshing dessert that captures the nostalgic taste of a creamsicle in an easy-to-make sheet cake.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 cup orange soda
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Orange food coloring (optional, a few drops)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, orange soda, eggs, vegetable oil, and orange zest if using. Beat the mixture thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended for an even rise and texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Cooling fully is important to prevent the frosting from melting upon application.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice, then continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add a few drops of orange food coloring if you desire a creamsicle-like orange tint.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife to create a smooth, attractive finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the frosting set for cleaner cuts and improves texture when serving.
Notes
- Using orange soda makes the cake extra moist and enhances the creamsicle flavor.
- Add additional orange zest to the frosting for a stronger citrus kick.
- This cake refrigerates well and tastes even better the next day.
