The Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic creamsicle ice cream treat. With its moist layers of orange-flavored cake and rich, creamy frosting, this cake delivers the perfect balance of citrus and vanilla in every bite. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or whenever you want to indulge in a slice of something sweet and tangy.
This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a stunning, multi-layered cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Orange Dreamsicle Cake!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box of orange cake mix (or use homemade orange cake batter)
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Orange Cream Filling:
- 1 package (3 oz) orange-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange zest for garnish
Steps
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 orange cake mix, orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients on medium speed until well blended and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Orange Cream Filling:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the orange-flavored gelatin in the boiling water, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the cold water and mix well.
- Chill the gelatin in the refrigerator until it thickens but isn’t fully set (about 30 minutes).
- Once the gelatin has thickened, fold in the whipped cream to create a light, fluffy orange cream filling.
3. Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture.
- Add the orange juice and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more orange juice (1 teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired
consistency.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread the orange cream filling between the two layers.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and press down gently.
- Frost the entire cake with the prepared orange buttercream frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Garnish the top of the cake with a sprinkle of orange zest for a pop of color and added flavor.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
- Slice and enjoy your refreshing and delicious Orange Dreamsicle Cake!
Variations
- Add Orange Marmalade: For an extra burst of orange flavor, spread a thin layer of orange marmalade between the cake layers along with the orange cream filling.
- Orange Buttercream Glaze: Drizzle an orange-flavored glaze over the top for added sweetness and a pretty finish. Simply combine powdered sugar with orange juice until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Citrus Twist: You can add a mix of citrus flavors by using lemon or lime zest in the frosting for a zesty citrus medley.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all of your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and orange juice, are at room temperature before starting. This helps the cake batter mix evenly and creates a smoother texture.
- Chill the Cake: Chilling the cake before serving not only helps set the filling but also enhances the creamy texture and flavor.
- Whipped Cream Alternative: If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the buttercream frosting with stabilized whipped cream, giving the cake an even more delicate and airy feel.
The Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a dreamy, citrusy dessert that will bring back memories of enjoying an ice-cold creamsicle on a hot day. With layers of orange cake and a creamy, dreamy filling, this cake offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake in advance? Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. In fact, making it in advance gives the flavors time to meld even more.
2. Can I use fresh oranges for this recipe? Absolutely! You can substitute fresh orange juice for store-bought, and add extra orange zest for a stronger citrus flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice will add more natural flavor.
3. Can I freeze the Orange Dreamsicle Cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake (unfrosted) for up to three months. Once the cake layers are completely cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
4. What other flavors pair well with orange? Orange pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, almond, and other citrus fruits like lemon and lime. You can experiment with adding these flavors to the cake or frosting for an interesting twist.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover Orange Dreamsicle Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled, as the cream filling and frosting are best served cold.
