Orange Creamsicle Cake – Simple & Refreshing Treat

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It hit me on a hot day when nothing sounded good but something cold, creamy, and citrusy. I remembered those classic orange creamsicle pops from childhood — the tangy orange shell, the smooth vanilla center. This Orange Creamsicle Cake brings that joy straight to the dessert table, and guess what? It’s easier than it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is everything you want in a summer dessert: light, cool, and packed with that nostalgic creamsicle flavor. The method is simple — a boxed cake mix gets transformed into something special with layers of orange Jello, creamy sherbet, and a whipped pudding topping. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just because.

Fork holding a bite of orange creamsicle cake with creamy topping

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert:

Cake Base

1 box white, vanilla, or orange cake mix
Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

Orange Filling

1 (3 oz) box orange Jello
1 cup boiling water
1 cup orange sherbet (or use orange soda instead)

Creamy Topping

1 cup melted orange sherbet
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 cup milk
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Garnish (Optional)

Mandarin oranges
Orange zest
Colorful sprinkles

Substitutions:
You can use orange soda if sherbet isn’t on hand. A gluten-free cake mix works great if needed. To lighten it up, use sugar-free gelatin and pudding, and a light whipped topping.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake

Step 1 – Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven and prepare the cake batter as the box directs. Bake it in a greased 9×13 pan. As soon as it comes out of the oven, use the end of a wooden spoon or a thick straw to poke holes all over the top. This helps the Jello soak into every bite.

Baked orange creamsicle cake base in metal pan before filling — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 32

Orange creamsicle cake with holes poked for Jello filling — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 32

Step 2 – Add the Orange Filling

In a bowl, whisk the orange Jello into the boiling water until fully dissolved. Then stir in the melted sherbet or orange soda.

Orange creamsicle cake filling mixture with sherbet in glass cup — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 34

Pouring orange creamsicle filling into cake holes — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 34

Pour this bright orange mixture slowly over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Step 3 – Make the Creamy Topping

Whisk together the melted sherbet, milk, and vanilla pudding mix until it begins to thicken. Gently fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy. Spread this creamy layer over the cold, chilled cake.

Swirled orange creamsicle cake topping with whipped cream and sherbet — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 36

Orange creamsicle cake with whipped topping ready to spread — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 36

Step 4 – Garnish & Serve

Top with mandarin orange slices, a dusting of zest, or fun orange-and-white sprinkles. Serve it cold for the best flavor and texture.

Variations & Tips

Gluten-Free Option

Use your favorite gluten-free cake mix and follow the same steps.

Lightened-Up Version

Use egg whites, sugar-free Jello and pudding, and light whipped topping. It still turns out rich and satisfying.

Layered Cake Variation

Bake in two round cake pans. Add just a bit of the creamy topping between the layers, then frost the top and sides.

Flavor Twists

Try other flavors for fun twists:

Raspberry Creamsicle: Raspberry Jello and raspberry sherbet
Strawberries & Cream: Strawberry gelatin and strawberry soda
Creamy Lemonade: Lemon gelatin and lemon-lime soda or lemon sherbet

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

This cake must be refrigerated because of the dairy in the topping. Keep it covered and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The flavor and texture improve as it chills. In fact, making it the night before is a smart move if you’re prepping for a gathering.

Orange creamsicle cake with smooth whipped topping layer — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 38

Orange creamsicle cake slices topped with mandarin orange segments — Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat 38

FAQs About Orange Creamsicle Cake

Does this cake need to stay refrigerated?

Yes. Because the topping includes pudding, milk, and whipped topping, it must be kept cold.

Can I make this a day ahead of serving?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day after everything has had time to settle and chill properly.

Can I use fresh oranges instead of gelatin?

Fresh juice won’t give you the same consistency. The gelatin helps the filling set and soak into the cake in just the right way.

Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe Card

More Such Recipes

Looking for more fun desserts? Check these out:
Try this classic New York-style cheesecake that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for any celebration
Make mini banana cream pies with no-bake crusts for quick and creamy dessert indulgence
Try lemon brownies bursting with citrus flavor and topped with a zesty glaze
Or make Halloween pinwheel cookies with vibrant swirls that make a fun and festive treat

Slice of orange creamsicle cake with whipped topping and mandarin

Final Thoughts

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is cool, creamy, and nostalgic in the best way. It’s easy to throw together and even easier to devour. Whether you dress it up with garnishes or keep it simple, it always wins over the crowd. It’s a dessert that feels like a summer day and tastes like a memory. If you give it a try, tag me on Pinterest or Facebook — I’d love to see your version.

Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe – Simple & Refreshing Treat

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