Orange Creamsicle Cake

Orange Creamsicle Cake starts with a simple box cake mix soaked with a mixture of orange gelatin and orange sherbet. It’s got a smooth, creamy orange creamsicle icing for the perfect refreshing dessert!

When I was in high school, I worked at an ice cream shop. One of my favorite fruity ice cream flavors was the orange dreamsicle, which was a vanilla ice cream swirled with orange sherbet. YUM!

This easy orange creamsicle cake reminds me of that delicious ice cream. The tart, vibrant orange and creamy vanilla flavors work together perfectly! This dessert is perfect any time of the year and exceptionally great for summer get together’s, birthdays and potlucks!

Ingredients Needed

• Box Cake Mix – Vanilla cake mix or white cake mix will work. You can also use a box of orange cake mix if you have that flavor on hand!
• Oil, Eggs and Water, as listed on the cake mix box
• A box of Orange Jello – A regular size box (not the large family size box)
• Water
• Orange Sherbet – If you don’t have orange sherbet, you can use orange soda instead (it’ll simply replace the melted sherbet)
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
• Milk
• Whipped Topping – ie. Cool Whip
• Garnish – Mandarin oranges, orange zest, sprinkles, etc., if desired

How to make an Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

Bake the Cake

First, you’ll mix up a white or vanilla cake mix according to the box instructions. The box might give you the option of using whole eggs or just egg whites. You can do either option. Also, I find it easiest to make the cake batter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with an electric mixer.

Once the cake batter has been mixed, you’ll pour it into a 9×13″ pan and bake. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick pressed into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, you’ll use the end of a wooden spoon, a wooden skewer or a straw to poke holes in the top of the cake.

Make the Poke Cake Filling

Next, it’s time to add all the yummy orange flavor! In a large bowl, stir together the boiling hot water and orange Jell-o until dissolved. (Don’t add cold water like the box instructs). Then stir in one cup of the orange sherbet until it’s totally melted.

Pour the liquid jello mixture over the cake slowly, giving it time to soak into the holes. Then you’ll cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for several hours before adding the final creamy topping layer!

Make the Topping

Now that the cake is cool, you can make the topping! To do so, you’ll mix the remaining cup of sherbet (melted), the milk and the instant pudding.

Then fold in the whipped topping until it’s smooth and creamy and spread on the cake. Garnish the frosted cake with mandarin orange slices if you’d like!

Other Flavors to Try

• Raspberry Creamsicle – Use vanilla or white cake mix, raspberry gelatin and raspberry sherbet. Top with fresh raspberries.
• Strawberries & Cream – Use vanilla or white cake mix, strawberry gelatin and strawberry soda (in place of the sherbet). Top with fresh strawberries.
• Creamy Lemonade – Use a vanilla or lemon cake mix, lemon gelatin and lemon-lime soda (or lemon sherbet).

Other Delicious Summer Desserts

• Creamy Lemon Pie – This is the ideal summer dessert. It’s creamy, cold and so refreshing, especially on a hot day!
• Rainbow Sherbet Cake Roll – Colorful & fruity this dessert is perfect for the warm summer days!
• Raspberry Cake – If you’re looking to use up some raspberries, this is the best cake!!!
• Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes – These cupcakes have a soft, moist cake with a lemon curd filling and a cream cheese frosting – yum!
• Berry Trifle – This gorgeous trifle is to die for!! It’s especially perfect for US holidays!
• Strawberry Lemonade Cake – This cake has three cake layers and loads of flavor!