Orange Dreamsicle Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 package (3 oz) orange Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Filling:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Optional Garnish:

• Orange slices
• Mint leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
   2. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and orange zest. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
   3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then add 1/2 cup of cold water. Allow it to cool slightly.
   4. Gradually add the Jell-O mixture to the cake batter, mixing well.
   5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and orange extract until thickened.
   2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
   3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
   1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
   2. Gently fold in the orange zest. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the filling evenly over the top.
   2. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining filling over it.
   3. Frost the entire cake with the prepared frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
5. Garnish (Optional):
   • Decorate the top of the cake with orange slices and mint leaves if desired.
6. Serve:
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Slice and enjoy your Orange Dreamsicle Cake!