This orange creamsicle cake captures the sweet citrus and vanilla flavor of the classic frozen bar in a soft, moist sheet cake.
A boxed mix, orange soda, and orange gelatin powder do most of the work, and the cake bakes in about 30 minutes. It needs no frosting, so it is simple to bring to a gathering.
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Why This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe Works
Boxed cake mix keeps this cake simple, while orange soda and gelatin powder give it a bright, candy shop citrus flavor that recalls the frozen bar. The crumb stays soft and moist.
Only five ingredients go into the batter and it mixes in one bowl. No frosting is required, so the cake is ready as soon as it cools.
The soda replaces water and adds light bubbles, and oil keeps the cake tender for days. Serve it plain or dress it up with whipped topping.
Ingredients for Orange Creamsicle Cake
- 1 box white cake mix, about 15 oz
- 1 cup orange soda, regular not diet
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 box orange gelatin powder, 3 oz, dry
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, for the pan
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour, for the pan
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
White cake mix. A standard 15 oz box gives a vanilla base that lets the orange flavor shine.
Orange soda. Use a regular sugary soda, not diet, for flavor and sweetness. Open it just before mixing so it stays fizzy.
Orange gelatin powder. The dry powder from a 3 oz box adds strong orange flavor and color. Do not prepare it with water.
Vegetable oil. Oil gives a moist crumb that stays soft after cooling.
Eggs. Room temperature eggs blend smoothly and help the cake rise evenly.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
1. Prepare the pan Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter and dust it lightly with flour, tapping out the extra.
2. Mix the batter Whisk the cake mix, orange gelatin powder, orange soda, oil, and eggs in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until smooth. The batter will be thin and fizzy.
3. Fill the pan Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it to the corners. Tap the pan once on the counter to release large bubbles.
4. Bake the cake Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when pressed.
5. Cool the cake Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
6. Finish and serve Dust the cake with powdered sugar and cut it into 12 squares. Add orange zest or a spoonful of whipped topping if you like.
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake
Serve squares plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamsicle effect. The cake looks great beside moist vanilla cake and homemade strawberry cake on a dessert table. Frost it with creamy chocolate buttercream frosting for a bolder finish, or add fresh fruit pavlova for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat Orange Creamsicle Cake
Cover the cake and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 4 days if you add whipped topping or cream, and bring squares to room temperature before serving. To freeze, wrap unfrosted squares tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips and Variations for Orange Creamsicle Cake
Measure the soda. Pour exactly 1 cup so the batter is not too wet.
Mix just until smooth. Overmixing creates tunnels and a tough crumb.
Test early. Start checking at 28 minutes, since pans and ovens vary.
Use zest. Fresh orange zest brings real citrus aroma on top.
Line the pan. Parchment makes it easy to lift the whole cake out.
Make cupcakes. Fill liners two thirds full and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Skip the raw batter. The batter contains raw eggs and cake mix, so do not taste it.
Bake and cool safely. Keep whipped toppings cold and consult the Montana State University Extension egg fact sheet for handling eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Creamsicle Cake
What makes orange creamsicle cake taste like the frozen bar?
Orange soda and orange gelatin supply the citrus flavor, and vanilla cake or ice cream adds the creamy note.
Can I use diet soda in orange creamsicle cake?
Regular soda works better because the sugar helps the cake brown and stay moist.
How do I store orange creamsicle cake?
Keep it covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days if you add cream.
Can I bake it in two round pans?
Yes. Use two greased 9 inch pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yellow or vanilla cake mix both work, though white cake keeps the color brightest.
Orange Creamsicle Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 inch pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix about 15 oz
- 1 cup orange soda regular, not diet
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 box orange gelatin powder 3 oz, dry
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter for the pan
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour for the pan
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Cooking
- Prep the pan. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease and flour a 9×13 pan.
- Mix the batter. Whisk the cake mix, gelatin powder, soda, oil, and eggs for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Bake until set. Pour into the pan and bake 28 to 32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake. Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
- Dust and cut. Dust with the powdered sugar and cut into 12 squares.
