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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring equal volume and smooth surfaces.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For added texture and richness, fold in chopped pecans if desired.
- Position the first cake layer on a decorative serving plate, spreading half the frosting evenly across its surface.
- Gently place the second cake layer atop the first, using the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake in a smooth, consistent layer.
- 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