The Best Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe for a Sunny Sweet Treat

Orange dreamsicle cake transports you straight to childhood memories of sweet, creamy summer treats.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your taste buds with each delightful bite of this classic dessert.

Creamy orange notes perfectly balance tangy citrus undertones, creating a harmonious symphony of taste sensations.

Soft, moist layers promise a delectable experience that melts smoothly in your mouth.

Light and refreshing, this cake captures the essence of childhood joy and culinary creativity.

The recipe combines traditional baking techniques with playful, whimsical ingredients that spark instant delight.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that reconnects you with carefree moments and pure happiness.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake You’ll Keep Craving

• Bursting with Tropical Citrus Flavor: This orange dreamsicle cake delivers a zesty punch of bright, refreshing orange that dances on your taste buds, bringing a sunshine-like sweetness to every single bite.
• Creamy Tropical Texture Sensation: The unique frosting combines creamy sour cream, fluffy whipped topping, and tropical pineapple and coconut, creating a luxuriously smooth and indulgent texture that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• Simple Yet Spectacular Baking Experience: With a straightforward method using convenient cake mix and minimal ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary baking into an effortless culinary adventure that looks and tastes like a professional dessert, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Celebration Showstopper: Whether you're hosting a summer party, family gathering, or need a delightful dessert for any occasion, this dreamsicle cake brings a crowd-pleasing, nostalgic flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients in Orange Dreamsicle Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base for quick and fluffy cake texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
• Orange Juice: Provides bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft and tender cake crumb.
• Pudding Mix: Enhances moisture and creates a smooth cake texture.
• Orange Jello: Boosts orange flavor and adds vibrant color.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cake.

• Crushed Pineapples: Brings tropical sweetness and moisture to the frosting.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and tropical flavor profile.
• Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and balances other ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Creates creamy and tangy frosting base.
• Whipped Topping: Provides light and airy texture to the frosting.

• Pecans: Offers crunchy texture and nutty flavor for extra dimension.

Baking Instructions for a Perfect Dreamsicle Cake

Step 1: Set the Oven Temperature

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 2 cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Milk
• Orange juice
• Vegetable oil
• Pudding mix
• Orange Jello
• Eggs

Blend all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Let cakes cool in pans briefly, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 4: Create Creamy Frosting

• Drained crushed pineapples
• Shredded coconut
• Sugar
• Sour cream
• Whipped topping

Mix thoroughly until well blended. Optional: Add chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Step 5: Layer and Frost the Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread half the frosting evenly across the top. Carefully position second cake layer. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, creating a smooth finish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Enhance presentation by sprinkling additional pecans and shredded coconut over the cake for a delightful decorative effect.

Tips for a Fluffy, Flavorful Dreamsicle Cake

• Prevent Cake Clumping: Sift dry ingredients before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that creates a lighter, more tender cake texture.
• Master Moisture Balance: Use room temperature eggs and liquid ingredients to help the cake batter blend more evenly and maintain optimal moisture.
• Achieve Perfect Doneness: Check cake's readiness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back immediately and have no wet spots when a toothpick is inserted.
• Enhance Frosting Consistency: Chill ingredients briefly before mixing to help the frosting set up firmer and spread more smoothly across the cake layers.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and allow the orange and pineapple flavors to meld and intensify.

How to Store and Reheat Your Orange Cake

• Refrigerate slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent drying out and preserve the cake's moisture. Cover with plastic wrap or store in a cake keeper to maintain freshness.
• Freeze individual slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and taste.
• Reheat chilled cake slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and creamy frosting consistency.

Drinks and Sides That Match Orange Dreamsicle Cake

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Pair this Orange Dreamsicle Cake with a chilled glass of sparkling blood orange mocktail or a crisp Riesling wine to complement the cake's bright citrus notes.
• Creamy Contrast Sidekick: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the cake's tangy orange flavor and enhance its creamy texture.
• Nutty Crunch Enhancer: Enjoy with a small plate of candied pecans or almond brittle to add a delightful crunch that echoes the cake's nutty undertones and provides a satisfying textural contrast.
• Tropical Tea Twist: Brew a light orange-infused green tea or passion fruit herbal tea to bring out the cake's tropical pineapple and coconut elements while cleansing the palate between bites.

Creative Versions of This Citrus Cake

• Tropical Citrus Remix: Swap orange juice with pineapple juice and add lime zest for a more complex tropical flavor profile.
• Nutty Coconut Paradise: Increase pecan quantity and toast them before adding to the frosting for deeper, richer nutty undertones.
• Creamy Frozen Treat: Transform the cake into cupcakes and freeze them partially for a cool, refreshing summer dessert version with extra whipped topping.
• Gluten-Free Sunshine Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy Orange Dreamsicle Cake transports palates to nostalgic summer memories with its zesty orange essence and velvety vanilla undertones. Refreshing layers of citrus-infused sponge and silky cream frosting invite sweet indulgence that delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15 ¼ ounces / 432 grams) white cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cold milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 ounce (28 grams) French vanilla pudding mix
• 3 ounces (85 grams) orange Jello

Frosting Components:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) whipped topping
• 1½ cups (300 grams) white sugar
• 1 cup (240 grams) sour cream
• 20 ounces (567 grams) can crushed pineapples, drained
• 1 cup (85 grams) shredded coconut
• ½ cup (60 grams) finely chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate the cake mix, whole milk, fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, instant pudding mix, orange gelatin, and eggs, whisking vigorously until the batter achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring equal volume and smooth surfaces.
4. Transfer the pans to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.
5. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to rest in the pans for several minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
6. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by combining drained crushed pineapples, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, sour cream, and whipped topping in a medium bowl, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
7. For added texture and richness, fold in chopped pecans if desired.
8. Position the first cake layer on a decorative serving plate, spreading half the frosting evenly across its surface.
9. Gently place the second cake layer atop the first, using the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake in a smooth, consistent layer.
10. Optional: Enhance the cake’s visual appeal by sprinkling additional chopped pecans and shredded coconut over the top for a festive, textural garnish.

Notes

• Zesty Citrus Boost: Orange juice and Jello intensify the vibrant citrus flavor, creating a refreshing and tangy cake experience.
• Creamy Dreamy Texture: Pudding mix ensures an ultra-moist, soft cake that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Tropical Frosting Twist: Crushed pineapples and coconut transform the classic frosting into a tropical-inspired, creamy delight.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cake can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop overnight.
• Customizable Crunch: Optional pecans add a delightful nutty texture and enhance the cake’s overall complexity.
• Temperature Tip: Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, even coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 458 cal
• Sugar: 48 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg