Easy Orange Dreamsicle Cake — one-pan dessert bursting with orange & cream flavor

Easy Orange Dreamsicle Cake: One-Pan Dessert Bursting with Orange & Cream Flavor

☀️ A Slice of Sunshine in Every Bite

If the combination of bright, zesty orange and smooth, sweet vanilla cream makes your mouth water, then you’re in for a treat. This Easy Orange Dreamsicle Cake captures the nostalgic flavor of the classic ice cream bar—the Dreamsicle—but in a simple, stunning one-pan dessert.

This recipe uses a cake mix shortcut to guarantee a moist, tender crumb every time, making it perfect for novice bakers and busy weeknights. The secret? Fresh orange juice and zest are baked right into the batter, then the warm cake is drenched in a sweet orange glaze and crowned with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. It’s light, refreshing, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering!

???? Ingredients List

For the Orange Cake

Ingredient Quantity Notes

White or Yellow Cake Mix 1 (15.25 oz) box Do not prepare according to box directions.

Large Eggs 3 

Vegetable Oil $1/3$ cup 

Fresh Orange Juice $1/2$ cup Freshly squeezed is best for flavor.

Water $1/4$ cup 

Orange Zest 2 Tbsp From about 2 large oranges.

Vanilla Extract 1 tsp 

For the Orange Glaze (Optional, but Recommended!)

Ingredient Quantity

Powdered Sugar $1/2$ cup

Fresh Orange Juice 2 Tbsp

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredient Quantity Notes

Unsalted Butter $1/2$ cup (1 stick) Softened to room temperature.

Cream Cheese 4 oz Softened to room temperature (half a standard block).

Powdered Sugar 2 cups Sifted, if possible, for a smooth consistency.

Vanilla Extract 1 tsp 

Milk (or Cream) 1-2 T

bsp Only if needed to reach desired consistency.