Orange Dreamsicle Cake

Are you ready to dive into a zesty adventure with a dessert that tastes like a slice of summer no matter the season? The Orange Dreamsicle Cake is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, making it a delightful treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations. Here’s how you can make this scrumptious cake, complete with a creamy, dreamy frosting.

Ingredients

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

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat and Prep: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure your cake layers come out perfectly.
• Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, orange juice, vegetable oil, pudding mix, orange Jello, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and thoroughly combined. This ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Bake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Patience is key here!
• Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from breaking.

2. Make the Frosting:

• Combine: In a medium bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapples, shredded coconut, sugar, sour cream, and whipped topping until well combined. This mixture will be your decadent frosting. If you’re a fan of nuts, stir in chopped pecans for an added crunch and flavor layer.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Layer and Frost: Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread half of the frosting evenly over the top. Add the second cake layer and top it with the remaining frosting, covering the cake smoothly and evenly.

4. Decorate:

• Garnish: For a final touch, optionally garnish the cake with additional pecans and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. This not only adds to the aesthetics but also enhances the flavor profile.

Serving and Storage

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 410 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 servings

This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a showstopper with its vibrant flavors and delightful texture. Whether served at a sunny brunch or as a special dessert, it promises to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy baking this sweet masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a breezy, summer day!

Tips

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
• For an extra citrusy punch, add a teaspoon of orange zest to your cake batter.
• If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it from the frosting for a simpler taste.

Embrace the art of baking with this Orange Dreamsicle Cake and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection!