Description
A nostalgic cake that tastes like a creamsicle, featuring orange gelatin and fresh orange juice for a bright citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15–16 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
- Buttercream:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons orange extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment.
- In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin.
- Add the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat until smooth.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the buttercream by beating softened butter until pale and fluffy, then gradually adding powdered sugar, heavy cream, and orange extract.
- Assemble by placing one cake layer on a plate, spreading buttercream on top, then placing the second layer on top.
- Apply a crumb coat and chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Finish frosting with remaining buttercream, smooth, chill, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor. Adjust buttercream sweetness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American