Refreshing Summer Citrus Bliss Cake
Indulge in the delightful taste of summer with this Refreshing Summer Citrus Bliss Cake! Made with a light and fluffy orange cake and an irresistible layer of creamy orange filling, this cake captures the essence of a classic creamsicle in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, backyard barbecues, or simply treating yourself, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to brighten any dessert table. With its vibrant flavors and refreshing texture, it's a fun and delicious way to celebrate the warm weather. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make delight that is as beautiful as it is delectable!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (as per package directions)
Eggs
3 (or as required by cake mix)
Oil
1/3 cup (as per package directions)
Water
1 1/3 cups (as per package directions)
Orange Jell-O (large box)
1 (6 ounce) box (prepared as per instructions)
Hot water
1 1/2 cups (for dissolving Jell-O)
Cold water
1 cup (to mix with Jell-O)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Vanilla instant pudding mix
1 (3 1/2 ounce) box (dry)
Orange Jell-O (small box)
1 (3 1/2 ounce) box (dry)
Milk
1 cup (for mixing)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Cool Whip
8 ounces (thawed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan according to the cake mix instructions.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, eggs, oil, and water according to package directions. Mix until smooth.
3
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
4
Once the cake is cooled, use a meat fork to poke holes all over the surface, making sure to reach the bottom of the cake.
5
In a separate bowl, dissolve the large box of orange Jell-O in 1 ½ cups of hot water. Stir in 1 cup of cold water until combined. Let the mixture thicken slightly.
6
Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture over the cooled cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and maturing the flavor.
7
Refrigerate the cake until the Jell-O is fully set, taking about 2-4 hours.
8
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
9
Gradually mix in the dry orange Jell-O powder, vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
10
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is light and fluffy.
11
Spread the creamy mixture over the top of the set cake with a spatula, smoothing it evenly.
12
Return the cake to the refrigerator to chill for an additional 1-2 hours before serving.
13
Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Summer Citrus Bliss Cake?
It is a light and fluffy orange cake featuring a creamy orange filling and topping that mimics the classic flavor of a creamsicle.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be baked in a 9x13-inch baking pan.
What flavor of cake mix should I use?
You should use one 18-ounce box of orange cake mix.
Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?
Poking holes allows the liquid orange Jell-O mixture to seep deep into the cake, adding moisture and intense orange flavor throughout.
What tool is recommended for poking holes in the cake?
The instructions recommend using a meat fork to ensure the holes reach the bottom of the cake.
How many boxes of Jell-O are used in total?
You will need two boxes: one large (6 ounce) box for the cake soak and one small (3.5 ounce) box for the creamy topping.
How do I prepare the Jell-O soak for the cake?
Dissolve the large box of orange Jell-O in 1.5 cups of hot water, then stir in 1 cup of cold water and let it thicken slightly before pouring.
How long does the cake need to chill after adding the Jell-O?
The cake needs to be refrigerated for 2 to 4 hours until the Jell-O is fully set.
What are the ingredients for the creamy topping?
The topping consists of softened cream cheese, dry orange Jell-O, dry vanilla pudding mix, milk, vanilla extract, and thawed Cool Whip.
Does the cream cheese need to be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure the topping is creamy and smooth without lumps.
What type of pudding mix is used in the frosting?
A 3.5-ounce box of vanilla instant pudding mix is used.
Is the orange Jell-O in the topping prepared or dry?
The small box of orange Jell-O used in the topping is added as a dry powder.
How should I incorporate the Cool Whip?
The Cool Whip should be gently folded into the cream cheese mixture to keep the topping light and fluffy.
How long should the cake chill after the topping is added?
It should return to the refrigerator for an additional 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Can I make this cake for a summer barbecue?
Yes, its refreshing citrus flavors and chilled temperature make it a perfect dessert for warm weather gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Does this cake taste like a creamsicle?
Yes, the combination of orange citrus and vanilla creamy elements gives it a classic creamsicle profile.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated according to the specific instructions found on the orange cake mix box.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of water?
While the recipe calls for water as per the cake mix directions, using orange juice could further enhance the citrus flavor.
How should the cake be served?
The cake should be sliced into squares and served cold directly from the refrigerator.
Is the cake mix prepared exactly as the box says?
Yes, you combine the mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed on the specific brand's package.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake is moist and dense from the Jell-O soak, topped with a light, fluffy, and creamy layer.
Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
While Cool Whip is recommended for stability, you can use stabilized whipped cream, though the texture may differ slightly.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should prepare the pan according to the instructions on the cake mix box to prevent sticking.
Can I add orange zest to the recipe?
Adding fresh orange zest to the cake batter or the topping would be an excellent way to add more natural citrus aroma.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover cake should be covered and stored in the refrigerator due to the dairy content in the topping.
Can I make this cake a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to mature and ensures the Jell-O and topping are completely set.
Is the pudding mix used in the topping cooked?
No, the vanilla pudding mix is added dry and is not cooked; it acts as a thickener for the frosting.
How much milk is needed for the topping?
The topping requires 1 cup of milk.
Is this a good dessert for a large crowd?
Absolutely, a 9x13 pan typically yields 12 to 15 servings, making it ideal for parties.