If you could capture childhood sunshine, bottle it up, and transform it into cake, you’d have this showstopping Orange Dreamsicle Cake. Imagine the nostalgic flavors of a creamy orange popsicle, swirled into a moist, citrus-scented cake with luscious cream cheese frosting that’s tangy, sweet, and sparkles with fresh orange zest. Every bite is bright yet pillowy, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just those days when you crave a little edible joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Dreamsicle Cake comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that promise big flavor. Each brings its own magic—whether it’s a burst of orange, a tender crumb, or the dreamy frosting you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
- White cake mix: Keeps the crumb soft and light, while acting as the perfect canvas for citrus flavors.
- Orange juice: Infuses the cake with tangy, sunny orange essence—use freshly squeezed if possible for maximum brightness.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures a moist cake that stays tender for days.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness, making each slice moist and fluffy.
- Orange zest: Intensifies the orange aroma, adding little pockets of citrus oil in every bite.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Secret weapon for a velvety, ultra-tender texture and a gentle vanilla backdrop.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth to highlight the orange flavor.
- Cream cheese: The backbone of our dreamy frosting, balancing sweetness with tang.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the frosting, making it smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and aerates the frosting to fluffy perfection.
How to Make Orange Dreamsicle Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, making sure every corner is well coated. This simple habit stops cakes from sticking and makes for a smooth, stress-free release later.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, instant vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together with an electric mixer on medium speed for a solid 2 minutes. You want the batter distinctly smooth—no lumps allowed—so the Orange Dreamsicle Cake bakes up light and even, with those zippy citrus notes in every bite.
Step 3: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cakes are lightly golden and springy to the touch. Let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before popping them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. This keeps cakes from becoming soggy underneath.
Step 4: Make the Orange Cream Frosting
While your cakes cool, whip up the star of the show: that creamy, dreamy Orange Cream Frosting. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth as silk. Add in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, then gradually work in the powdered sugar. You’re after a light, fluffy texture that’ll spread easily but hold its shape—perfect for swooping and swirling.
Step 5: Frost and Assemble
Once your cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on your serving plate. Slather the top with half the orange cream frosting, then gently place the second cake layer on top. Finish by frosting the top and sides with the rest. Pop your assembled Orange Dreamsicle Cake into the fridge for 30 minutes, which makes for crisp, clean slices.
How to Serve Orange Dreamsicle Cake
Garnishes
The fun is in the finishing touches! Dress up your Orange Dreamsicle Cake with extra orange zest sprinkled over the top or nestle thin orange slices around the edge for a bright, fresh look. For special occasions, a few edible flowers or white chocolate curls can add a touch of whimsy.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a light and cheery dessert plate. A little sparkling water with a slice of orange continues the citrus theme and keeps things refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Orange Dreamsicle Cake into cubes and layering with extra frosting for eye-catching parfaits, or serve mini individual layers in jam jars for an adorable picnic-ready treat. Individual cupcakes are also a hit—just adjust the bake time and pipe on towers of that fluffy frosting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully when covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The citrus in the frosting actually helps keep everything perfectly moist, so you can sneak a slice each day and it’ll still taste fantastic.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a zip-top bag. Both cake and frosting freeze well separately—just thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling and serving your Orange Dreamsicle Cake fresh.
Reheating
Since Orange Dreamsicle Cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you only need to let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes after chilling. No microwaving or reheating necessary—just let those citrusy flavors shine!
FAQs
Can I use orange extract in place of orange zest?
Absolutely! A small drop of orange extract can boost the flavor if you don’t have zest, though zest gives tiny bursts of natural citrus oil. For most authentic flavor, a combination works beautifully in this Orange Dreamsicle Cake.
What if I don’t own round cake pans?
No problem at all. A 9×13-inch rectangular pan works just as well; simply increase the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make this Orange Dreamsicle Cake ahead for a party?
Definitely! Bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate. You can also whip up the frosting in advance. Assemble and frost the cake the morning of your event for freshest results.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter in the frosting. These maintain the luscious texture while keeping the Orange Dreamsicle Cake completely dairy-free for those who need it.
How can I make cupcakes instead?
Simply divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost as usual and enjoy Dreamsicle Cupcakes—just as magical in a smaller size!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor and creamy nostalgia, Orange Dreamsicle Cake never disappoints. It’s a joyful treat that always vanishes fast at gatherings—so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to share your secret! Go ahead, give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the sweet scent of sunshine.
Print
Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Orange Dreamsicle Cake. A moist and citrusy white cake infused with orange juice and zest, paired with a luscious orange cream frosting, this dessert is a dream come true for any citrus lover.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange Cream Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the cake: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, orange juice, oil, eggs, orange zest, pudding mix, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fluffy. Frost the cakes and chill before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra orange punch, add a drop of orange extract to the cake or frosting.
- You can garnish with fresh orange slices or zest for a beautiful finish.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
