🍊 Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Cake
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 box orange cake mix (or white cake mix + orange gelatin, see notes below)
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1 cup orange juice (instead of water for extra flavor)
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½ cup vegetable oil
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3 eggs
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Optional: zest of 1 orange
Creamsicle Layer:
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1 box (3 oz) orange Jell-O
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1 cup boiling water
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½ cup cold water
Creamy Topping:
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1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
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1 cup cold milk
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1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip or whipped topping
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Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract or orange zest for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, mix cake mix, orange juice, oil, eggs, and orange zest (if using).
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Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
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Pour into prepared dish and bake according to package directions (usually 25–30 minutes), until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let cake cool for 10 minutes.
2. Add the Jell-O Layer
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While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer.
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In a bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add ½ cup cold water.
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Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak in.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until chilled and set.
3. Make the Creamy Topping
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In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk for 1–2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
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Gently fold in the Cool Whip and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
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Spread over chilled cake evenly.
4. Chill & Serve
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Refrigerate at least 1 more hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
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Optional: Garnish with orange zest, mandarin oranges, or sprinkles.
🍰 Tips & Variations
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No orange cake mix? Use white or yellow cake mix + 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin in the batter for a similar effect.
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Fresh twist: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for a more natural citrus flavor.
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Want it from scratch? I can provide a homemade cake and topping version too!
Would you like a cupcake variation, sugar-free option, or layered trifle-style presentation?