If you are craving a dessert that perfectly combines bright citrus flavors with a creamy, dreamy texture, this Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe has got you covered. It captures the nostalgic taste of the classic orange creamsicle popsicle in a luscious cake form, offering a delightful balance of orange soda-infused sponge and smooth vanilla frosting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a refreshing sweet bite, this cake will warmly transport you to summer afternoons full of sunshine and smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this charming cake. Each element plays a special role: the orange cake mix brings that zesty base, orange soda adds effervescence and sweetness, and the vanilla pudding plus whipped topping come together to create a velvety frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Orange cake mix (15.25 oz): The foundation with vibrant citrus flavor and tender crumb formation.
- Orange soda (1 cup): Provides sweetness and a subtle fizz that lightens the batter.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients and give structure.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Adds fresh, aromatic citrus notes.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz): The secret to the creamy, thick frosting texture.
- Cold milk (1 cup): Necessary to thicken the pudding perfectly.
- Orange extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Boosts the orange flavor if you love it strong.
- Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Lightens the frosting with airy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
- Orange slices or zest (optional): Beautiful garnish to enhance presentation and flavor.
How to Make Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, orange soda, vegetable oil, eggs, and fresh orange zest. Beat everything on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter feels smooth and slightly airy. This step ensures all the flavors meld together and your cake will rise beautifully with a moist texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour your vibrant orange batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place it in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 28 to 32 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center — if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked. Then, transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely. This cooling step is crucial so the frosting sets beautifully instead of melting into the cake.
Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and optional orange extract in a medium bowl. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens, usually around 2 minutes. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping and sift in the powdered sugar, stirring until everything is smooth and creamy. This frosting is the luscious, dreamy component that truly brings the Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe alive.
Step 4: Frost and Chill
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the creamy frosting evenly over the top. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the frosting set and the flavors marry. This chilling makes the cake refreshingly cool, perfect for warmer days or anytime you want a sweet citrus treat.
How to Serve Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of vibrant orange zest on top elevates the cake’s visual appeal and intensifies its citrus charm. These garnishes provide a fresh burst of flavor with each bite, enhancing both aroma and color, making the dessert irresistible at any gathering.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement its creamy texture. If serving during a brunch, consider offering a fresh fruit salad featuring berries or kiwi to balance the sweetness with a juicy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try turning the Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe into individual parfaits by layering crumbled cake, frosting, and orange segments in clear glasses. Or slice it into squares and serve on a pastel-colored platter with edible flowers for a stunning presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting from drying out. Proper storage maintains the cake’s moist texture and fresh flavor for up to 3 days, giving you those second-day bites that often taste even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the creamy frosting texture.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, let it come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may affect the frosting’s texture. A few minutes out of the fridge gets the flavors open and the cake soft without losing that dreamy quality.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange soda?
Absolutely! Fresh orange juice can replace the orange soda if you prefer less sweetness and more natural citrus flavor. Just keep in mind that the soda adds a bit of carbonation, which contributes to the cake’s lightness, so the texture might change slightly.
Is it necessary to use instant pudding mix?
The instant vanilla pudding mix is key for that rich, creamy frosting texture that makes this Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe special. If you skip it, the frosting may turn out runnier and less structured, so it’s highly recommended to include it.
Can I make this cake into a layer cake?
Yes! You can bake two 9-inch round cake layers instead of one 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time to about 25 to 30 minutes per layer and assemble with the frosting in between and on top for a beautiful layered effect.
What if I don’t have orange extract?
No worries if you don’t have orange extract on hand. The orange zest and soda should provide plenty of citrus flavor, but if you want a punchier note, adding a bit of fresh orange juice or extra zest can work nicely as a substitute.
How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?
Make sure the pudding mix is fully thickened before folding in the whipped topping and powdered sugar. Also, using cold milk helps the pudding set properly. Chilling the cake after frosting solidifies everything beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make a dessert that’s bursting with sunshine and creamy goodness, this Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe is a wonderful choice. It’s simple to put together with everyday ingredients, yet delivers a flavor experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. I can’t wait for you to try it and find yourself reaching for seconds!
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Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a light and creamy summer dessert that perfectly combines the sweet, citrusy flavor of orange soda with the smoothness of vanilla pudding and whipped topping. Moist and fluffy with a refreshing orange zest touch, it’s an easy-to-make baked cake that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic yet sophisticated treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box orange cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup orange soda
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Frosting:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Garnish (optional):
- Orange slices or zest
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, orange soda, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the frosting: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and orange extract (if using) for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Combine frosting ingredients: Fold in the thawed whipped topping and powdered sugar gently until the frosting is smooth and well blended.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cake surface with a spatula.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and enhance flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish the cake with fresh orange slices or additional orange zest if desired for a fresh and decorative touch.
Notes
- For a stronger citrus flavor, substitute part of the orange soda with fresh orange juice or add extra orange zest to the batter and frosting.
- This cake can be made as a layer cake using two 9-inch round pans; adjust baking time to about 25-28 minutes per layer.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
