Creamsicle Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert bursting with citrus and creamy flavors. It combines the tangy taste of oranges with a rich, smooth texture. This cake is soaked in a sweet milk mixture, making it extra moist. A fluffy whipped topping adds a light and creamy finish. Perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how refreshing it tastes!
Benefits of Creamsicle Sheet Cake
1. Easy to Make
This Creamsicle Sheet Cake uses simple ingredients and takes minimal effort. Even beginners can make it.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
It’s great for birthdays, potlucks, or casual family desserts. The bright flavor makes it a crowd favorite.
3. Moist and Flavorful
The milk mixture keeps the cake soft and juicy. Every bite melts in your mouth.
4. Kid-Friendly
Kids love the creamy orange flavor. It’s a fun way to introduce them to baking.
5. No Fancy Equipment Needed
You only need a mixing bowl, whisk, and baking pan. No special tools are required.
6. Customizable
You can adjust the sweetness, add different toppings, or use a dairy-free option.
Read more : Easy Baked Salmon Recipe | Healthy & Halal-Friendly Meal
Cautions
- Do not overmix the batter. It will make the cake dense and tough.
- Let the cake cool before soaking. A very hot cake can cause uneven absorption.
- Use fresh orange juice. Bottled juice may contain preservatives that alter the flavor.
- Check ingredient labels. Make sure all ingredients are halal and alcohol-free.
- Refrigerate properly. This cake needs chilling for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Don’t overwhip the cream. It can turn into butter if mixed too long.
Fun Tidbits About Creamsicle Sheet Cake
- Inspired by a childhood favorite: This cake mimics the famous Creamsicle ice cream bar.
- Tres leches twist: It uses a soaking method similar to a tres leches cake, making it extra soft.
- Orange is refreshing: The citrusy taste makes this cake perfect for warm weather.
- A nostalgic treat: Many people associate this flavor with childhood summers.
- Great for sharing: It’s made in a sheet pan, so you can serve many people at once.
Read more : Strawberry Brownies Recipe – Soft, Chewy, and Easy to Make
Comparative Style: Traditional vs. Modern Creamsicle Sheet Cake Recipe
| Feature | Traditional Creamsicle Cake | Modern Creamsicle Sheet Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Base Flavor | Artificial orange extract | Fresh orange juice + zest |
| Milk Mixture | Plain milk | Sweetened condensed milk |
| Texture | Dry or fluffy | Moist and rich |
| Topping | Buttercream frosting | Whipped cream |
| Preparation Time | Longer, more steps | Quicker, easier process |
| Best For | Special occasions | Everyday treats & parties |
This version of Creamsicle Sheet Cake is a modern upgrade with a richer texture and real citrus flavor. It’s easier, tastier, and perfect for today’s busy lifestyles!
Creamsicle Sheet Cake – Moist, Tangy, and Creamy Dessert
Description
This Halal Creamsicle Sheet Cake brings back the nostalgic taste of the classic creamsicle popsicle, blending vibrant orange flavor with creamy, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping. The cake is soaked in a luscious halal milk mixture, ensuring every bite is moist and bursting with citrusy goodness.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
For the Soaking Milk Mixture:
For the Topping:
Instructions
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
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Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure even baking.
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Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with oil or butter and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, add the halal orange cake mix.
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Pour in 1 cup of fresh orange juice, ensuring no artificial flavoring is used.
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Add ½ cup of vegetable oil and 3 large eggs.
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Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
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Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Baking the Cake
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Pour the cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly.
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Place the pan in the preheated oven on the center rack.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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If the cake isn’t fully cooked after 30 minutes, continue baking in 2-minute increments while checking with a toothpick.
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Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
3. Preparing the Milk Mixture
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In a medium mixing bowl, pour 1 can (14 oz) of halal sweetened condensed milk.
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Add 1 cup of heavy cream (halal-certified) and 1 teaspoon of alcohol-free vanilla flavoring.
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Grate 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest and add it to the mixture.
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Use a whisk to mix thoroughly until the milk mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Soaking the Cake
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Using a fork or skewer, poke small holes all over the surface of the slightly warm cake.
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Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
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Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow some absorption.
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Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
5. Preparing the Whipped Topping
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In a chilled mixing bowl, pour 2 cups of halal-certified heavy cream.
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Add 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste).
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Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
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Be careful not to overwhip, or it will turn into butter.
6. Garnishing and Serving
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Once the cake is fully chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.
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Evenly spread the whipped cream topping over the entire cake.
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Decorate with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of grated orange zest for extra flavor and visual appeal.
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Cut the cake into 12 equal squares and serve chilled.
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Enjoy this delicious, creamy, halal Creamsicle Sheet Cake with friends and family! 🍊🎂
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 30g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
1. Understanding the Creamsicle Flavor
The creamsicle flavor is inspired by the classic orange and vanilla frozen treat, combining tangy citrus notes with rich, creamy sweetness. This cake captures that balance with fresh orange juice, zest, and a smooth milk mixture.
1.1 Why Use Fresh Orange Juice?
Fresh orange juice enhances the cake’s natural citrus taste without artificial flavorings. Using store-bought orange juice is an option, but freshly squeezed juice ensures a more authentic and vibrant flavor.
1.2 The Role of Vanilla in the Recipe
Vanilla is essential for creating the “creamsicle” effect. However, since traditional vanilla extract contains alcohol, this recipe uses alcohol-free vanilla flavoring to keep it halal. Vanilla bean paste or fresh vanilla pods can also be excellent alternatives.
2. Choosing Halal Ingredients
To keep this cake halal, all ingredients must be free from haram additives such as alcohol, gelatin, or emulsifiers derived from non-halal sources.
2.1 Halal Cake Mix Selection
Most boxed cake mixes contain emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides, which may be from animal sources. Choosing a halal-certified cake mix ensures compliance with dietary restrictions. Alternatively, a homemade orange cake batter can be used.
2.2 Halal Sweetened Condensed Milk
Some brands of sweetened condensed milk contain non-halal stabilizers or enzymes. Opt for a halal-certified brand to ensure it aligns with Islamic dietary guidelines.
2.3 Heavy Cream and Whipped Cream Alternatives
- Halal-certified heavy cream is recommended for making the whipped topping.
- If a store-bought whipped topping is used, check for gelatin, as some brands include it as a stabilizer.
- Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative if desired.
3. Cake Texture and Baking Tips
Achieving a moist yet fluffy texture requires careful attention to the batter and baking process.
3.1 How to Make a Soft and Moist Cake
- Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, making the cake dense instead of soft.
- Use room temperature eggs. This ensures even mixing and a better rise.
- Check doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking, as it will dry out the cake.
3.2 Why Let the Cake Cool Before Soaking?
A warm cake absorbs the milk mixture more evenly. However, if it’s too hot, the milk may not distribute properly, and if it’s too cold, it won’t absorb enough liquid. Allowing the cake to cool for 15 minutes before soaking is ideal.
4. The Importance of Soaking the Cake
This recipe uses a tres leches-style soaking method to infuse the cake with flavor and moisture.
4.1 How to Ensure Even Absorption
- Poke holes all over the cake. Using a fork or skewer helps the liquid seep deep into the cake.
- Pour the milk mixture slowly. If poured too quickly, the liquid will pool on the surface instead of soaking in.
- Let it rest. A minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator ensures proper absorption, but overnight chilling provides the best results.
5. Perfecting the Whipped Topping
A stable whipped topping makes the cake even more delicious.
5.1 Tips for Making the Best Whipped Cream
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping for better results.
- Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a smoother texture.
- Whip until soft peaks form—overwhipping will turn it into butter.
6. Best Ways to Serve and Store the Cake
6.1 Ideal Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices and zest for an extra citrusy touch.
- Pair with a glass of fresh orange juice or a cup of tea for a refreshing combination.
6.2 Storing the Cake
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
