Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake Recipe

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Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 ounce) white or yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 orange, zested
• 1 (6 ounce) box instant orange jello
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 (3.4 ounce) box vanilla pudding
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, orange juice, oil, and orange zest. Mix the ingredients together until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 28 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
6. In a separate bowl, dissolve the instant orange jello in the boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
7. Refrigerate the cake for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is completely cool.
8. Meanwhile, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk in a bowl, stirring for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
9. Once the pudding is thickened, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
10. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
11. Refrigerate the cake overnight to allow the flavors to fully meld and set.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 piece (out of 16 servings)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	231	-
Total Fat	11g	14%
Saturated Fat	4g	22%
Cholesterol	36mg	12%
Sodium	240mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	31g	11%
Dietary Fiber	0g	1%
Total Sugars	20g	-
Protein	3g	6%
Vitamin C	8mg	9%
Calcium	88mg	7%
Iron	1mg	4%
Potassium	85mg	2%

This Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the refreshing taste of orange and the creamy smoothness of vanilla to a simple, easy-to-make cake. With its vibrant color and light texture, its perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. But there's more to this dessert than just its delicious flavorit has an interesting history, unique regional twists, and stands out from other similar cakes. Let's dive into all the fun details!

Origin of the Orange Creamsicle Cake

The inspiration behind the Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake comes from the famous ice cream treat, the Creamsicle, which was first introduced in the early 20th century. Invented by Frank Epperson in 1905, the original Creamsicle was a popsicle made with a tangy orange exterior and a creamy vanilla center. Over the years, this nostalgic dessert has influenced various recipes, from cakes to drinks. The Orange Creamsicle Cake is a modern twist on this classic frozen treat, combining the flavors into a light, moist cake.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

The Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake, like many desserts, has regional variations depending on where it's made. In the American South, cakes like these are often referred to as poke cakes, which are made by poking holes into a freshly baked cake and then soaking it with a flavored liquidlike orange Jell-O in this case. This method ensures that the cake is extra moist and packed with flavor. Some variations may use lemon or lime zest instead of orange, or even swap in lemon pudding for a tangy twist. However, the basic premise of combining citrus flavors with creamy vanilla remains consistent.

Differences from Similar Cakes

While the Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake shares characteristics with other poke cakes, it stands out due to its unique combination of orange and vanilla flavors. Other poke cakes, like strawberry shortcake or chocolate cakes, typically rely on fruit fillings or chocolate syrups. What makes the Orange Creamsicle Cake distinct is its ability to blend the tartness of orange juice and zest with the cool, whipped vanilla topping. This gives it a freshness and lightness that many other poke cakes lack. The use of orange Jell-O adds a pop of color and extra flavor that makes this cake visually striking and extra delicious.

Where Its Typically Served

The Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake is a versatile dessert thats perfect for various occasions. Its often served at birthday parties, family reunions, and holiday gatherings. Its light and fruity flavor make it ideal for warmer weather, so its a popular choice for summer picnics, barbecues, and outdoor parties. Additionally, this cake is an excellent choice for potlucks because of its large serving size and easy-to-serve format. Whether youre serving it at a casual get-together or a more formal event, its guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Fun Facts about the Orange Creamsicle Cake

• The original Creamsicle was inspired by a childhood accident. Frank Epperson left a soda powder mix and water outside, and when he returned, he found that the mixture had frozen onto a stick. He then had the brilliant idea to market this frozen treat to the masses.
• Though most people associate Orange Creamsicles with summer, the original product was available year-round, especially in the colder months when people craved creamy desserts.
• Orange Jell-O, a key ingredient in the cake, is one of the most iconic gelatin desserts in the United States. It has been a staple in American kitchens for over 100 years and is often used in cakes, salads, and other dishes.
• Some variations of the cake may incorporate orange-flavored liqueurs or extracts to give it a more adult twist, adding complexity to the flavor profile.

Now that you know a little more about this delicious dessert, its time to try making the Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake yourself. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it will also give you a glimpse into the history of one of America's favorite frozen treats.

FAQ about Orange Creamsicle Sheet Cake Recipe

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