Orange Dreamsicle Cake

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Introduction

The Orange Dreamsicle Cake is inspired by the nostalgic flavors of the classic orange creamsicle popsicle—sweet, citrusy, and creamy. This dessert is a delightful blend of bright orange flavor and creamy vanilla, creating a moist, flavorful cake that is perfect for summer gatherings, birthday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a light and refreshing treat.

Ingredients (Serves 12)

  • Cake:
  • 1 box orange cake mix
  • 1 cup orange soda (or orange juice)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional for extra flavor)
  • Filling:
  • 1 package (3 oz) orange-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Frosting:
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Orange slices or zest
  • Whipped cream
  • White chocolate shavings

Optional Additions

  • Orange Marmalade: Add a layer of orange marmalade between the cake layers for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
  • Candied Orange Peel: Use as a garnish for a decorative and flavorful touch.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Orange Zest: Adding fresh orange zest to the cake batter enhances the citrus flavor and brings a natural, aromatic essence to the cake.
  • Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure the cake layers are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
  • Chill the Cake: After frosting, chill the cake for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, orange soda (or orange juice), vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, until smooth.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
  1. Make the Filling:
  • In a small bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in 1 cup of cold water and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  • Once the cakes have cooled, poke holes all over the tops of both layers using the back of a wooden spoon or a fork.
  • Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake layers, allowing it to soak into the holes. Place the cakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the gelatin to set.
  1. Make the Frosting:
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and combined.
  • Gently fold in the whipped topping until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  1. Assemble the Cake:
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  • Garnish with orange slices, zest, whipped cream, or white chocolate shavings if desired.
  1. Chill and Serve:
  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together and the frosting set.
  • Slice and enjoy this creamy, citrusy delight!

Description

This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with the nostalgic flavors of a creamsicle. The moist orange cake is infused with a sweet orange gelatin filling, giving each bite a refreshing citrus taste. The creamy vanilla frosting adds a smooth, luscious layer of flavor that perfectly complements the zesty orange. It’s a dessert that’s both vibrant and indulgent, perfect for those who love citrus and cream combinations.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~350-400 kcal
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~30g
  • Sodium: ~400mg

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

For a lighter version of this cake, you can use a sugar-free gelatin mix, reduced-fat cream cheese, and a lower-calorie whipped topping. Additionally, using freshly squeezed orange juice instead of soda can cut down on added sugars while keeping the bright citrus flavor intact. Enjoying smaller slices and pairing the cake with fresh fruit can also create a more balanced indulgence.

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