Description

This recipe transforms the nostalgic flavor of an orange creamsicle popsicle into a moist, vibrant layer cake. Featuring a tender citrus crumb and a fluffy vanilla cloud frosting, it is the perfect dessert for celebrations or everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

1 box Orange Cake Mix
3 Large Eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Orange Juice
1 tablespoon Fresh Orange Zest
1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz)
1 cup Cold Milk
8 oz. Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip)
4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened (optional, for richer frosting)
Extra Orange Zest or Candied Orange Slices, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans with butter or a quality non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and orange juice. Use a whisk or electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Fold in the fresh orange zest. Mix until the batter is smooth, but be careful not to overwork it.
Pour your batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden brown.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for about two minutes until it thickens. Gently fold in the whipped topping and the softened cream cheese if you are using it.
Spread the frosting generously over your cooled cake. If you chose round pans, place a thick layer between the rounds. Finish the look with more orange zest or candied orange slices.
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to set perfectly.

Notes

For the best texture and flavor development, allow the finished cake to chill for the recommended hour. When zesting the orange, ensure you only remove the bright orange outer skin and avoid the white pith underneath, which can introduce bitterness to the cake. The optional cream cheese provides a richer flavor and greater stability to the fluffy frosting.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American