Description
A soft vanilla orange cake soaked with a citrus gelatin mixture and topped with a light mandarin cream frosting. Moist, refreshing, and full of bright orange flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup milk or vanilla almond milk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 package (3.4 oz) orange gelatin mix
1¼ cups boiling water
⅓ cup fresh orange juice
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges with juice
1 package (3.5 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
8 oz whipped topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the cake batter following the package directions, using milk instead of water. Mix in the orange zest, pour into a 9×13 inch pan, and bake as directed.
2. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Use a skewer to poke holes across the surface.
3. Dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water, stirring until smooth. Mix in the fresh orange juice.
4. Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the cake so it soaks into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
5. In a bowl, combine the mandarin oranges with their juice and the pudding mix until blended.
6. Fold in the whipped topping gently until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
8. Chill for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
For stronger citrus flavor, add a little extra orange zest.
Make sure the cake cools slightly before adding the gelatin mixture for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 172
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 198mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
