Oh, remember those glorious summer days when you’d grab an ice-cold creamsicle? That perfect blend of creamy vanilla and bright orange just felt like pure happiness, right? Well, get ready to relive that magic because I’ve bottled up that exact feeling into this incredible Creamsicle Cake! It’s unbelievably easy to whip up, making it my go-to dessert for everything from casual get-togethers to those moments you just need a little sunshine on a plate. Seriously, one bite and you’ll be transported right back to childhood!
Why You’ll Love This Creamsicle Cake
Seriously, this cake is a winner! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Taste of Nostalgia: It perfectly captures that beloved creamsicle flavor you remember.
- Super Easy: Made with a cake mix, it’s practically foolproof!
- Perfectly Moist: The citrus and frosting keep it wonderfully tender.
- Bright & Cheerful: It’s a beautiful, sunny dessert that makes everyone smile.
- Quick to Make: Less stress in the kitchen means more time enjoying that delicious frosting!
Gather Your Ingredients for Creamsicle Cake
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! For this dreamy Creamsicle Cake, you’ll want to have everything ready to go. It really is a simple bake, mostly just dumping things in and mixing, which is my favorite kind of magic.
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 box orange cake mix (the kind you usually find in the baking aisle!)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is a treat, but store-bought works too!)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (this little bit makes a HUGE flavor difference, trust me!)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, make sure it’s softened so it whips up nicely
- 1/2 cup butter, also softened – this is key for the frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (some people call it confectioners’ sugar)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk, just enough to get the frosting to the perfect dreamy consistency
Crafting Your Perfect Creamsicle Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, now for the best part – actually making this sunshine in a pan come to life! Don’t worry, it’s really straightforward. I’ve made this so many times, I can almost do it with my eyes closed! Remember those links I dropped? You can find some other amazing orange cake ideas over there if you want to explore more, but this one is definitely my favorite for that classic creamsicle vibe. Just follow along, and you’ll have a masterpiece ready in no time!
Preparing the Creamsicle Cake Batter
First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) and make sure your 9×13 inch pan is greased and floured. Now, grab a big bowl and toss in your cake mix, water, oil, and those three eggs. Give it a good two-minute beat-down with your electric mixer on medium speed. You want it nice and smooth, no lumps allowed! Then, gently stir in the orange juice and that vibrant orange zest – it’s like adding a little sunshine boost!
Baking the Creamsicle Cake to Perfection
Pour that gorgeous batter into your prepared pan. Try to spread it out evenly so it bakes up nice and flat. Pop it into that preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you poke a wooden skewer or a toothpick right into the center and it comes out clean, with no gooey batter clinging to it. Let the cake cool *completely* in the pan before you even *think* about touching that frosting. Patience here is key! For more orange cake inspiration, check out this other delicious recipe!
Whipping Up the Creamy Orange Frosting
While the cake is doing its cooling thing, let’s make that dreamy frosting! In a separate bowl, I like to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until they’re super smooth and fluffy. Honestly, this is half the fun! Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Now, start adding your powdered sugar, a cup or so at a time, alternating with just a tablespoon or two of milk. Keep beating until it’s wonderfully creamy and spreadable, like a fluffy cloud.
Assembling and Finishing Your Creamsicle Cake
Once your cake is totally, completely cool – and I mean *cool*, folks, don’t rush this! – it’s time to frost! Grab your spatula and spread that glorious orange cream cheese frosting evenly all over the top. Work from the center outwards to get a nice, smooth finish. You can make pretty swirls if you’re feeling fancy, or just go for a simple, classic coating. It’s going to look and smell amazing!
Tips for the Best Creamsicle Cake
Making this Creamsicle Cake is already super easy, but here are a few little tricks I swear by to make it absolutely perfect every single time. These little things really make a difference, trust me!
So, about that orange juice and zest – the zest is where you get that super bright, true orange flavor, not just sweetness. Don’t skip it! And if you want an even bigger punch, a tiny splash of orange extract in the batter (just a drop or two!) can amp it up even more. For the frosting, if it seems a *little* too stiff, just add another teaspoon of milk. If it gets too thin, slowly add a bit more powdered sugar. It’s all about getting that perfect, dreamy consistency!
And here’s a fun one: if you want to get really fancy with the frosting or even add a little something extra to the cake batter itself, did you know you can make your own heavy cream? Or whip up some homemade coffee creamer for a slightly different flavor profile? Just a thought for your next baking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamsicle Cake
Got questions about this delightful Creamsicle Cake recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things people ask:
Can I make this Creamsicle Cake ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This cake is even better the next day, which is fantastic! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you frost it. Store it wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days, or pop it in the fridge if it’s super warm where you are.
What are good substitutions for ingredients in this Creamsicle Cake?
Sure thing! If you don’t have orange cake mix, a yellow or vanilla cake mix works, but you’ll want to boost that orange flavor with extra zest or a few drops of orange extract. For the juice, regular milk or even a bit of cream can work in a pinch, but you’ll lose a little of that citrus zing!
How do I store leftover Creamsicle Cake?
Leftovers? Lucky you! Just cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay lovely at room temperature for a couple of days. If it’s really warm out, the fridge is your best bet, but let it sit out for a bit before serving so the frosting isn’t rock hard.
Nutritional Information for Creamsicle Cake
Just so you know, the nutritional info below is an estimate per slice, as the exact numbers can change based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. It’s a treat, so we’ve got those delightful numbers for you!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: About 18g
- Saturated Fat: Around 8g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 50g
- Sugar: About 45g
- Protein: Around 3g
Share Your Creamsicle Cake Creations!
I just *love* seeing what you all whip up in your kitchens! If you make this Creamsicle Cake, please, please, PLEASE leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out. Did you love it? Did you tweak it? I’d also be thrilled if you could rate it and maybe even share a picture on social media – tag me so I can see your sunny, citrusy masterpieces! You can find more ideas over at memorecipes.com/creamsicle-cake/ too!
Print
Creamsicle Cake
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and citrusy cake with a creamy orange frosting, reminiscent of a creamsicle.
Ingredients
- 1 box orange cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the orange juice and orange zest. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For a stronger orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract to the cake batter.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: creamsicle cake, orange cake, citrus cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe, dessert