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Easy Orange Creamsicle Layer Cake

A delicious slice of Creamsicle Cake showing two layers of orange cake, white frosting, and orange zest topping.
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Make this light, moist cake that captures the nostalgic flavor of orange and vanilla. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a refreshing, crowd-pleasing summer dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 package (3 ounces) orange gelatin
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  4. In a measuring cup, combine the milk, 1/2 cup orange juice, and orange zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. While the cakes bake, prepare the orange soak: Dissolve the orange gelatin in the boiling water. Stir in the cold water.
  7. Once the cakes are out of the oven, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the top of each warm cake using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour half of the orange gelatin mixture over each cake. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Prepare the creamy vanilla frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add the vanilla extract, 1/4 cup orange juice, and heavy cream. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
  10. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

Notes

  • For an extra bright orange color, you can add a drop of orange food coloring to the batter or frosting.
  • If you prefer a poke cake style, use a 9×13 inch pan and pour all the gelatin soak over the warm cake before cooling. Top with frosting after chilling.
  • This cake tastes best when served slightly cool, making it a great refreshing summer dessert.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/creamsicle-cake-easy-summer-recipe/