Orange Creamsicle Cake

Name: Orange Creamsicle Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box orange cake mix; 1 box 3.4 oz vanilla instant pudding mix; 1 cup vegetable oil; ½ cup milk; 1 cup sour cream; 3 large eggs; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk; 3 tablespoons sweet orange marmalade

Published: July 18, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Deliciously Creamy: The blend of orange cake and creamy frosting creates a delightful flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Versatile Dessert: Great for any event, from birthday parties to casual family gatherings; this cake fits right in.
Moist Texture: Thanks to the addition of sour cream and pudding mix, this cake remains moist and tender every time.
Stunning Presentation: The vibrant color of the orange cake paired with creamy frosting makes it visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Electric mixer
2 (9×2 inch) cake pans
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly for a light texture.
Cake pans: Properly sized pans help the cake bake evenly, ensuring a perfect rise.
Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake, preventing sogginess as it cools.

Ingredients

This orange creamsicle cake is an absolute dream of a recipe! The orange cream flavor is so creamy paired with the perfect moist cake. You will be guaranteed to be running back for more.

For the Cake

1 box orange cake mix (I used Duncan Hines Orange Supreme Cake Mix)
1 box 3.4oz Vanilla INSTANT pudding mix, dry
1 cup vegetable oil
½ cup milk
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
4 cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
3 Tablespoons sweet orange marmalade

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×2 inch cake pans by spraying them with nonstick spray. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine:
1. Orange cake mix
2. Vanilla instant pudding mix
3. Vegetable oil
4. Milk
5. Sour cream
6. Eggs

Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting them.

Enjoy your delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake

Serving your Orange Creamsicle Cake can elevate its delightful flavors and create a wonderful experience for your guests. Here are some creative suggestions to make the most of this delicious dessert.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and a tart contrast to the sweet cake.
Citrus Slices: Garnish with orange or lemon slices for a refreshing touch that complements the citrus flavor.

Ice Cream Delight

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, enhancing the cake’s rich texture.
Orange Sorbet: For a lighter option, orange sorbet brings a vibrant and zesty flavor that echoes the cake.

Garnish with Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream: Top slices with freshly whipped cream for an airy addition that balances sweetness perfectly.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding orange zest or vanilla extract to your whipped cream for extra flair.

Use as a Layered Dessert

Trifle Style: Layer pieces of the cake with whipped cream and fruits in a glass dish for an eye-catching presentation.
Cupcake Version: Turn the cake into cupcakes and serve individually for easy portioning at gatherings.

How to Perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake

Perfecting your Orange Creamsicle Cake is key to achieving that dreamy texture and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure success.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid dense cake; overmixing can lead to toughness.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven heats accurately. This prevents underbaking or overbaking issues.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cakes cool fully on wire racks before frosting. This prevents melting of icing and ensures smooth application.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Creamsicle Cake

Enhancing your dessert table can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some great side dishes that pair wonderfully with Orange Creamsicle Cake.

Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and honey for a healthy yet indulgent side option.
Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch alongside the rich dessert.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse offers a luxurious contrast to the bright orange flavors.
Lemon Bars: These tangy treats enhance the citrus theme while providing a different texture experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an Orange Creamsicle Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Boldly skip the mixing time: Not mixing the ingredients long enough can lead to a dense cake. Make sure to mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Boldly ignore ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or dairy straight from the fridge can affect the batter. Allow them to come to room temperature for better results.
Boldly rush the cooling process: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt. Allow the cakes to cool completely before adding any frosting.
Boldly overlook oven calibration: Every oven is different, and baking times may vary. Always check your cake for doneness with a toothpick, rather than relying solely on time.
Boldly guess your measurements: Accurate ingredient measurements are key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Orange Creamsicle Cake

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Orange Creamsicle Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making an Orange Creamsicle Cake.

How can I make my Orange Creamsicle Cake more flavorful?

Adding fresh orange zest or using freshly squeezed orange juice instead of water can enhance the flavor profile significantly.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! You can substitute with any other flavored cake mix, such as lemon or vanilla, but it will alter the overall taste.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! This Orange Creamsicle Cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any celebration needing a sweet treat.

What are some variations I can try?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even layering additional flavors like raspberry between the cake layers for extra flair!

Final Thoughts

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is not only delicious but versatile too! Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings. Whether it’s for a celebration or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress everyone who tries it.