Description
Fluffy vanilla cake meets the bright zing of orange in this creamsicle-inspired layer cake! With hints of citrus zest and a rich vanilla buttercream, this dessert is both vibrant and irresistibly smooth. One slice and you’ll be instantly transported to childhood popsicle memories only now in cake form!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest
For the Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp orange extract (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ Make the Batter:
• In a large bowl, combine vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin mix.
• Add orange juice, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
• Beat until batter is smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Bake the Cake:
• Divide batter evenly between pans.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
4️⃣ Prepare the Frosting:
• Beat softened butter until fluffy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar.
• Mix in heavy cream and optional orange extract until smooth and spreadable.
5️⃣ Assemble & Decorate:
• Level cake layers if needed.
• Place one layer on a serving plate and frost the top.
• Stack the second layer and frost the top and sides.
• Decorate with piped frosting swirls or orange zest, if desired.
Notes
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Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter with vegan butter or margarine and use almond milk or coconut cream in the frosting. Be sure to check that your cake mix and gelatin are dairy-free.
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Vegetarian-Friendly: Replace traditional gelatin with vegetarian gelatin or agar-agar powder to make the cake fully vegetarian. Not all boxed orange gelatins are vegetarian—read the label!
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Fresh Orange Twist: Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of boxed for brighter flavor. Add 1 tsp of finely grated orange zest to the batter and frosting for a citrus punch.
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Cupcake Version: This batter works beautifully for cupcakes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes. Top with piped orange vanilla frosting and a small orange wedge for presentation.
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Bundt or Sheet Cake: For a party-friendly version, bake as a sheet cake or in a Bundt pan. Just increase bake time by 5–10 minutes and check doneness with a toothpick.
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Storage Tips: Store unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped at room temp for up to 2 days. Frosted cake should be refrigerated in an airtight container and served at room temp.
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Add-Ins: Fold in mini white chocolate chips or top with candied orange peel for texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of 8-inch 2-layer cake)
- Calories: ~410 kcal
- Sugar: ~38 g
- Sodium: ~290 mg
- Fat: ~20 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~11 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~54 g
- Fiber: ~0.6 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: ~60 mg
Keywords: Layer Cakes, Citrus Desserts, Creamsicle Recipes, Spring Baking, Orange-Flavored Treats, Vanilla Frosting Cakes, Celebration Desserts, Easy Cake Recipes, Moist Cake Ideas, Bright and Fruity Baking