Name: Orange Dreamsicle Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15 ¼ oz) white cake mix; 1 cup cold milk; ½ cup orange juice; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 oz French vanilla pudding mix; 3 oz orange Jello; 4 large eggs; 8 oz whipped topping; 20 oz can crushed pineapples, drained; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1½ cups white sugar; ½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Why You’ll Love Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

This cake delivers a moist, tender crumb bursting with orange and vanilla flavors, complemented by a luscious whipped pineapple-coconut frosting. It’s easy to make using a boxed cake mix and pudding, yet tastes completely homemade. The combination of textures—from the fluffy cake to the creamy topping with coconut and pecans—makes every bite interesting and delicious. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a sweet, citrusy indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 box (15 ¼ oz) white cake mix
1 cup cold milk
½ cup orange juice
½ cup vegetable oil
1 oz French vanilla pudding mix
3 oz orange Jello
4 large eggs

For the Frosting:

8 oz whipped topping
20 oz can crushed pineapples, drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded coconut
1½ cups white sugar
½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, milk, orange juice, vegetable oil, pudding mix, orange Jello, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans briefly, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

In a medium bowl, combine the whipped topping, drained crushed pineapple, sour cream, sugar, and shredded coconut.
Stir in chopped pecans if using.

Assemble the Cake:

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread with half of the frosting.
Add the second cake layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

Decorate (Optional):

Sprinkle with extra shredded coconut and pecans for a festive finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling and assembly: 45 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Mandarin Twist: Add mandarin orange slices between the layers for a fresh, juicy surprise.
Extra Citrus: Add orange zest to the cake batter for a more intense citrus flavor.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a completely nut-free dessert.
Cupcake Version: Use the same batter to make cupcakes; adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Layer Boost: For more layers, split each cake in half horizontally and frost between all four layers.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. The frosting stays fresh and the flavors continue to meld beautifully over time.

Freezing:
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.

Reheating:
This cake is best served cold or at room temperature and does not need reheating.

FAQs

What flavor is an Orange Dreamsicle Cake?

It combines the tangy flavor of orange with creamy vanilla, mimicking the taste of a classic orange creamsicle.

Can I use orange cake mix instead of white cake mix?

Yes, but using white cake mix lets the orange juice and Jello stand out more for that signature Dreamsicle flavor.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely. It’s even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge.

Is there a substitute for the whipped topping?

You can use stabilized whipped cream, but the texture may differ slightly.

Can I leave out the coconut?

Yes, though the coconut adds a nice texture. If omitted, consider adding extra pineapple or pecans.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

It’s best to use canned pineapple because it’s easier to drain, which helps the frosting consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free cake mix and confirming the pudding and Jello are gluten-free.

What type of orange juice works best?

Use pulp-free orange juice for a smoother cake texture.

Can I frost the cake while it’s still warm?

No, the cake must be completely cool or the frosting will melt and slide off.

Do I have to use pecans?

No, pecans are optional. You can substitute with walnuts or leave them out entirely.

Conclusion

The Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together bright citrus and creamy vanilla in the most irresistible way. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor, soft texture, and creamy tropical frosting. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that tastes as dreamy as it sounds.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake