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Orange Creamsicle Cake: A Nostalgic Dessert with a Citrus Twist

This Orange Creamsicle Cake brings the beloved flavors of a childhood favorite to life with a moist vanilla cake, infused with citrusy orange JELLO, and topped with a fluffy mandarin orange frosting. A delightful dessert perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Vanilla Cake Base
  • Vanilla cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Milk or vanilla almond milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Orange zest
  • Orange JELLO
  • Boiling water
  • Fresh orange juice
For the Mandarin Orange Frosting
  • Canned mandarin oranges
  • Vanilla instant pudding mix
  • Cool Whip or whipped cream

Method
 

  1. Bake the Vanilla Cake: Prepare the cake batter using vanilla almond milk and orange zest for extra flavor. Bake according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
  2. Infuse with Orange JELLO: Use a skewer to poke holes throughout the cake. Dissolve the orange JELLO in boiling water, mix in fresh orange juice, and pour it over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
  3. Prepare the Fluffy Citrus Frosting: Beat mandarin oranges with vanilla pudding mix, then gently fold in Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Assemble and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Extra Citrus Kick: Add more orange zest to the cake batter for an intense orange flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
  • Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of Cool Whip for a tangy twist.