Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe
Introduction
This Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake is a perfect summer treat, combining bright citrus flavors with creamy indulgence. Its refreshing orange zest and mandarin topping make it a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3.4 ounces orange JELLO
- 1.25 cups boiling water
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges (do not drain)
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package directions for a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, using milk or vanilla almond milk instead of water and adding the orange zest. Bake as directed and let cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Use a skewer to poke holes evenly over the top of the warm cake.
- Step 3: In a heat-proof bowl, dissolve the orange JELLO mix in boiling water by whisking thoroughly. Stir in the fresh orange juice.
- Step 4: Carefully and slowly pour the JELLO mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to set.
- Step 5: Beat the mandarin oranges with the vanilla pudding mix until combined, then gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- Step 6: Spread the mandarin and cream mixture evenly over the chilled cake.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the cake for an additional 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For a tropical twist, sprinkle coconut flakes over the top before serving.
- Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher, richer flavor.
- Ensure the cake has cooled slightly before poking holes to avoid crumbling.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best when chilled and should be served cold. If needed, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for softer texture. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, regular milk works perfectly in this recipe and will yield the same delicious results.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream or any store-bought whipped topping as a substitute. Fresh whipped cream will add a lighter, creamier texture.
PrintIrresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Delights Recipe
This irresistible Orange Creamsicle Cake combines the bright citrus flavors of mandarin oranges and orange JELLO with a moist vanilla cake base, topped with a creamy pudding and Cool Whip layer. Perfect for summer gatherings, this refreshing dessert is easy to prepare and delivers the nostalgic taste of a creamsicle in cake form.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Orange Gelatin Layer
- 3.4 ounces orange JELLO
- 1.25 cups boiling water
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Topping
- 15 ounces can of mandarin oranges, do not drain
- 3.5 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions for a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Substitute vanilla almond milk or regular milk for the water and add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. Pour the batter into the pan and bake as per the package instructions. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.
- Poke Cake Holes: Use a skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface of the warm cake. This will allow the orange JELLO mixture to seep into the cake for added flavor and moisture.
- Prepare Orange JELLO Mixture: In a heat-proof bowl, combine the orange JELLO mix with 1.25 cups boiling water. Whisk continuously until the JELLO powder has completely dissolved. Stir in the fresh squeezed orange juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
- Pour JELLO over Cake: Carefully and slowly pour the prepared orange JELLO mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and saturates the cake evenly. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours to allow the gelatin to set.
- Make Creamy Topping: In a mixing bowl, beat the canned mandarin oranges (with juice) together with the vanilla instant pudding mix until well combined. Gently fold in the Cool Whip to create a light and fluffy topping.
- Top the Cake: Spread the creamy mandarin pudding mixture evenly over the chilled cake.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 more minutes before serving to ensure the topping sets and flavors meld together beautifully.
Notes
- This cake is versatile; consider adding coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist.
- Substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher and richer taste.
- Make sure the cake is adequately cooled before pouring the JELLO mixture to prevent melting it.
Keywords: Orange Creamsicle Cake, summer dessert, orange cake, JELLO cake, mandarin orange cake, easy summer dessert

