Orange Dreamsicle Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. The cake is incredibly moist and infused with a vibrant orange flavor, while the filling and frosting add a creamy richness. It’s a fun, fruity twist on traditional cakes that will brighten up any dessert table. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed for birthdays, picnics, or simply as a delightful treat when you need something citrusy and refreshing.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake mix)

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant orange pudding mix (dry)

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

For the frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for garnish)

• Orange slices (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, instant orange pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest (if using). Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the filling:

• In a small bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Gently fold the whipped cream into the orange juice mixture until smooth.

• Refrigerate the filling until you’re ready to use it.

3. Make the frosting:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

• Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and the frosting is smooth.

4. Assemble the cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread the orange filling evenly over the top, being careful not to let it spill over the edges.

• Place the second cake layer on top of the filling and press gently to set it in place.

• Frost the entire cake with the whipped frosting, smoothing it out to cover the top and sides.

• Garnish with additional orange zest or slices of fresh orange for an extra pop of color and flavor.

5. Serve:

• Slice and enjoy the Orange Dreamsicle Cake chilled or at room temperature. The cake is light, refreshing, and full of citrusy goodness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 30 minutes

• Cool Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Use homemade cake: Make the cake from scratch using your favorite vanilla or orange cake recipe for a more personalized touch.

• Add extra fruit: Add small pieces of fresh orange segments to the filling for a burst of citrus flavor.

• Make it vegan: Substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream, plant-based whipped topping, and egg replacers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: The cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, and it does not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute the orange pudding mix with lemon or vanilla pudding mix, though orange gives the cake its signature flavor.

2. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Assemble the cake and add the frosting and filling just before serving.

3. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling and frosting.

4. Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream in place of whipped topping for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and adjust the sugar accordingly.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling, and make sure the filling is firm enough to hold its shape. If needed, you can chill the filled cake in the refrigerator before frosting to set the layers better.

6. Can I add more citrus flavor?

Absolutely! You can increase the orange zest in both the cake batter and the filling to add a more intense citrus flavor. You could even add a splash of orange liqueur to the filling.

7. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular cake mix to make this cake gluten-free.

8. How can I make this cake more decadent?

Drizzle the cake with an orange glaze or ganache for a more indulgent twist.

9. Can I make this cake without the filling?

Yes, you can make a simpler version of the cake by skipping the filling and just frosting it with the whipped cream mixture.

10. Can I substitute the orange juice with another juice?

You can use lemon juice for a lemony twist, or lime juice for a tropical vibe, but it will change the flavor profile of the cake.

Conclusion

Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a light, refreshing, and delicious treat that brings the flavors of a classic orange creamsicle into a stunning cake. With its moist cake layers, creamy orange filling, and fluffy frosting, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in something sweet, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy your citrus cravings!

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