Sunshine Sweet Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer’s sweetest memories dance on your palate with this nostalgic orange dreamsicle cake that captures the essence of childhood treats.

Creamy, vibrant, and irresistibly tangy, this dessert brings a burst of citrusy delight to any gathering.

The classic flavor combination of bright orange and smooth vanilla creates a harmonious blend that melts in your mouth.

Layers of moist cake infused with zesty orange notes promise a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through cool, creamy textures and sunshine-inspired flavors.

Soft, light, and utterly delicious, this cake turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of summer’s most beloved flavor.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to craft a dessert that will become an instant favorite at every table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 312 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Orange Dreamsicle Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides quick, consistent cake foundation with soft, tender crumb.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Enhances moisture and creates ultra-rich cake texture.
• Orange Jello: Boosts vibrant citrus flavor and adds beautiful orange color.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create smooth cake batter consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and tender throughout baking.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structural support for cake.
• Orange Juice: Intensifies fresh citrus taste and complements orange Jello.

• Crushed Pineapples: Delivers natural sweetness and tropical moisture to frosting.
• Shredded Coconut: Creates delightful texture and adds tropical Caribbean flair.
• Sour Cream: Balances sweetness and provides creamy, tangy undertone.
• Whipped Topping: Creates light, airy frosting with smooth spreadable consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting mixture.

• Chopped Pecans: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty warmth to cake presentation.
• Extra Shredded Coconut: Provides elegant, decorative finishing touch with appealing texture.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake: Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium sizes for cake batter and frosting preparation.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cake ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
• Cake Pans: Two 9-inch round pans for baking cake layers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Toothpick: To check cake doneness by inserting into center.
• Wire Rack: For cooling cake layers completely.
• Serving Plate: To assemble and present the finished cake.
• Spatula: For spreading frosting evenly and smoothly.

Step-by-Step Orange Dreamsicle Cake Instructions

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with an inviting temperature, creating the perfect baking environment for a delightful dessert.

• Cake Mixture

Blend together cake components in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until the batter transforms into a silky, harmonious mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Baking Adventure

Pour the luscious batter into waiting cake pans and let the oven work its magic, transforming ingredients into golden layers of sweetness.

• Creamy Topping Creation

Combine tropical-inspired ingredients in a bowl, mixing until a dreamy, cloud-like frosting emerges with hints of sunshine and texture.

• Cake Assembly

Carefully stack the tender cake layers, generously spreading the creamy frosting between and around the cake, creating a masterpiece of flavor and beauty.

• Final Flourish

Add a sprinkle of nutty pecans and coconut to give the cake a delightful crunch and visual appeal that will make mouths water.

Smart Tips for Orange Dreamsicle Cake Success

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking, preventing lumps and creating a more uniform cake texture.
• Enhance the citrus profile by adding fresh orange zest to both the cake batter and frosting, intensifying the dreamsicle-inspired taste and aroma.
• Adjust the frosting thickness by draining the pineapples more thoroughly or adding extra whipped topping to achieve your desired spreadability and richness.
• Experiment with different nut options like toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pecans, or add a layer of mandarin orange segments between cake layers for extra moisture and flavor complexity.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dessert that's perfect for special occasions or make-ahead convenience.

Serving Suggestions for Orange Dreamsicle Cake

• Pair with Citrus Coolers: Serve chilled orange or tangerine-infused beverages alongside the cake to enhance the bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Add Creamy Companions: Top each slice with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of orange sherbet for extra indulgence.
• Create Textural Contrast: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or candied orange zest around the cake plate to add crunch and intensify the tropical notes.
• Present with Elegant Flair: Arrange cake slices on white porcelain plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a fresh orange slice for a sophisticated presentation.

Storage Tips for Orange Dreamsicle Cake

• Refrigerate and Savor Wisely
• Store the cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the frosting's creamy texture and prevents spoilage.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment
• Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen cakes can last up to 3 months, providing a delightful treat whenever cravings strike.
• Keep Frosting Fresh
• Separate the cake layers with wax paper before refrigerating to prevent the frosting from sticking and maintain the cake's pristine appearance. This technique helps preserve the cake's beautiful presentation.
• Serve at the Perfect Temperature
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Letting it sit allows the flavors to develop and the frosting to soften, creating a more enjoyable eating experience.

Velvety Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful orange dreamsicle cake blends creamy vanilla and zesty citrus notes into a nostalgic dessert. Refreshing layers combine tangy orange flavor with smooth cream cheese frosting, promising a sweet escape for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) white cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 mL) cold milk
• 0.5 cup (120 mL) orange juice
• 0.5 cup (120 mL) vegetable oil
• 1 oz (28 g) French vanilla pudding mix
• 3 oz (85 g) orange Jello
• 8 oz (227 g) whipped topping
• 1.5 cups (300 g) white sugar
• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
• 20 oz (567 g) can crushed pineapples, drained
• 1 cup (85 g) shredded coconut
• 0.5 cup (60 g) finely chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C), grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to prevent adhesion.
2. Batter Creation: Combine cake mix, whole milk, orange juice, vegetable oil, instant pudding mix, orange gelatin, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture.
3. Pan Filling: Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans, ensuring level surfaces and consistent volume.
4. Baking Process: Place pans in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean without raw batter.
5. Cooling Technique: Allow cakes to rest briefly in pans, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling to room temperature.
6. Frosting Preparation: Blend crushed pineapples, coconut, sugar, sour cream, and whipped topping in a medium bowl. Incorporate chopped pecans for additional depth and crunch if desired.
7. Cake Assembly: Position first cake layer on a serving plate, spread half the frosting evenly. Carefully place second layer on top, covering entire cake with remaining frosting in a smooth, uniform manner.
8. Finishing Touch: Optionally garnish with additional chopped pecans and shredded coconut to enhance visual appeal and texture.

Notes

• Optimize Baking Precision: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and even cake texture, preventing lumps and promoting better ingredient integration.
• Control Moisture Balance: Check cake doneness precisely with the toothpick test; slightly moist crumbs are acceptable, but raw batter indicates need for additional baking time.
• Prevent Cake Sticking: Thoroughly grease and flour cake pans, using parchment paper as an extra safeguard to guarantee clean cake removal without breaking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to maintain structural integrity and prevent frosting from melting, ensuring a professional-looking final presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 312
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 289 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 54 mg