The Ultimate Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe (3 Ways: From-Scratch, Easy & Light)

There’s something magical about the classic orange and vanilla Dreamsicle that makes it a beloved childhood treat. Now, imagine those bright citrus flavors transformed into an irresistible cake form! This ultimate Orange Dreamsicle Cake recipe offers not one but three ways to bring those nostalgic flavors to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker craving the from-scratch experience, a busy person wanting a quick poke cake, or a lover of lighter desserts seeking an angel food cake variation, this guide has you fully covered.

Each version delivers the perfect balance of moist orange cake layers, creamy vanilla filling, and tangy, orange-infused frosting that will have everyone coming back for another slice. Plus, you’ll find thorough troubleshooting tips, expert guidance, and a comparison table to help you decide which path is best for you.

Why This is the Best Orange Dreamsicle Cake You’ll Ever Make

• Authentic, Fresh Flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice infuse every bite with true citrus brightness no artificial flavors here.
• Three Tested Recipes: From scratch, box mix poke cake, and light angel food cake variations for every skill level and occasion.
• Perfect Moisture: Expert techniques ensure a tender crumb that stays soft and fluffy.
• Step-by-Step Photos: Detailed images guide you through each part of the process for confident baking.
• Troubleshooting & FAQs: Common questions and fixes keep you on track for baking success.

Which Recipe Should You Choose?

Key Ingredients & Why They Matter

• Fresh Oranges: Zest and juice are essential to capture the classic dreamsicle flavor.
• Cake Flour: Creates a delicate crumb known from professional cakes.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Gives frosting its signature tang and creamy texture.
• Orange Jello & Pudding Mix: Used in poke cake to replicate the nostalgic creamy filling taste.

Recipe 1: The Ultimate From-Scratch Orange Dreamsicle Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Orange Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use the reverse creaming method: beat the butter and dry ingredients together until crumbly.
4. In another bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add vanilla, orange juice, sour cream, and zest; mix well.
5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the butter-flour mixture. Avoid overmixing.
6. Divide the batter evenly into pans, bake for 25-30 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
8. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla into stiff peaks for the filling.
9. Beat cream cheese and butter for frosting until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then orange juice and zest.

1. Assemble cake by layering with filling in between, and frost with cream cheese frosting on the outside.

Recipe 2: The Quick & Easy Orange Dreamsicle Poke Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 oz orange Jello powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip

Instructions

1. Prepare cake according to box instructions in a 9×13 inch pan.
2. While cake is warm, poke holes evenly all over using a fork.
3. Dissolve orange Jello in boiling water. Pour evenly over cake.
4. Mix vanilla pudding with cold milk until thickened.
5. Fold in Cool Whip and spread over set Jello layer.
6. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Recipe 3: The Light & Airy Angel Food Dreamsicle Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box angel food cake mix
• 1 cup fresh orange juice (replace water amount)
• Orange zest whipped cream (heavy cream, powdered sugar, orange zest)
• Optional vanilla yogurt or pudding for filling

Instructions

1. Bake angel food cake mix according to package instructions, substituting orange juice for water.
2. Cool upside down on rack.
3. Slice horizontally and layer with whipped cream and vanilla pudding.
4. Lightly frost with orange zest whipped cream.

Expert Tips for Flawless Results

• Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing.
• Always weigh flour to avoid dense cakes.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep it tender.
• Zest oranges before juicing for easier prep.
• Chill frosting if too soft before spreading.

Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Citrus Desserts You’ll Love

• Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
• Key Lime Pie
• Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
• Citrus Pound Cake

Tried this recipe? Share your results!

Let us know which variation you made and how it turned out! Leave a star rating and comment below. Your feedback helps fellow bakers and supports our site.

Printable Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe (3 Ways: From-Scratch, Easy & Light)

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• Author: Sarah Yummyum Recipes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Experience the nostalgic taste of the classic orange and vanilla Dreamsicle in this delicious Orange Dreamsicle Cake. This recipe features moist orange-flavored cake layers, creamy orange filling, and tangy orange cream cheese frosting perfect for any celebration or dessert craving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups cake flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice Zest of 2 large oranges 1 cup sour cream 1 tsp vanilla extract — For the orange cream filling: 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract — For the orange cream cheese frosting: 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature) 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 4 cups powdered sugar 2 tbsp fresh orange juice 1 tsp orange zest

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Sift cake flour, baking powder, and salt together. Using the reverse creaming method, beat butter and dry ingredients together until crumbly. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add vanilla, orange juice, sour cream, and zest; mix well. Gently fold wet ingredients into the butter-flour mixture. Avoid overmixing. Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cakes completely on wire racks. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into stiff peaks for the filling. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then orange juice and zest; beat until creamy. Assemble cake by layering orange cream filling between cake layers, then frost the outside with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix to keep the cake tender. Weigh your flour for accuracy. Zest oranges before juicing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

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