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–+ servings
Slice of delicious Orange Dreamsicle Cake topped with orange zest and creamy frosting
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Orange Dreamsicle Cake

Creamy, bright, and nostalgic, this Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of soft yellow cake soaked in orange JELL-O and topped with a fluffy vanilla-orange pudding and Cool Whip.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time4 hours
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Summer
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 package Yellow Cake Mix And all ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

JELL-O Ingredients

  • 2 packages Orange JELL-O Powder 3 ounces each

Pudding Ingredients

  • 1 package Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix 3.4 ounces
  • 1 cup 2% Milk Cold
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tub Cool Whip 8 ounces, thawed

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven according to the yellow cake mix package directions. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan lightly and prepare the cake batter as directed on the box.
  • Pour batter into the prepared 9x13-inch pan and bake as instructed on the package. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.
  • Once the cake is fully cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 to 2 inches apart.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine one 3-ounce package of orange JELL-O with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water, mix well, then pour this evenly over the cake.
  • Cover the pan and refrigerate for 4 hours to let the flavors set.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the package of vanilla instant pudding mix and 1 cup cold milk until the pudding begins to thicken. Add the remaining orange JELL-O powder and the vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
  • Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until smooth and uniform.
  • Spread the creamy pudding-Cool Whip mixture evenly over the chilled, JELL-O-soaked cake. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least another hour to let the topping set. Slice with a sharp knife and serve chilled.

Notes

This cake actually gets better after a day as flavors meld. It’s great for preparing the night before.