Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

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5 from 56 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Decorating Time: 20 minutes
Total: 45 minutes

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy here.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes are the dessert to serve if you have a love for those dreamy orange cream popsicles that were so popular when you were young. The perfect melding of bright orange flavor and smooth cream.

a closeup of 2 creamsicle orange cupcakes with more cupcakes in a pan in the background

This Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes recipe is so simple that you truly have no excuse not to make them. They take only a few ingredients and only several minutes of your time to produce a light airy cupcake that is perfect on a hot summer day.


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What We Love About This Summer Cupcake Ideas

If you haven’t tried this method of making cakes and cupcakes, you are missing out! This creamsicle cupcake recipe calls for orange soda, and this neat hack really enhances the flavor of this dessert.

  • 35 Minutes: No fuss and very little mess as these orange cupcakes take only a few minutes.
  • Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry. Perfect for unexpected company or when you need a dessert fast.
  • Family Friendly: These cupcakes are a hit with all generations; you cannot miss with this easy recipe.
  • Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, low-calorie, dairy free, etc.

If you want to include REAL oranges, serve these with chocolate covered oranges on top.

ingredients needed to make summer cupcakes

Ingredient Notes

  • Vanilla Cake Mix: One box of any flavor that you enjoy or whatever is on sale
  • Orange Soda: A 12 ounce can, you can use cream soda too
  • Frosting: One tub of vanilla frosting, or you can make your own
  • Whipped Topping: Thawed, you can use a low-calorie version here if you like
  • Orange sprinkles: This is optional, but makes the orange creamsicle cake so cute
overhead view of 3 creamsicle orange cupcakes on a white platter next to a gray and white cloth

Equipment Needed

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

These are the basic steps for making a summer cupcake. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

STEP 1: PREP

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then line muffin tin with the cupcake liners. Then, blend cake mix and orange soda in a large bowl with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer for one minute on a medium speed.

a collage of 4 images showing how to make the batter for orange creamsicle cupcakes

STEP 2: BAKE

Next, fill each cupcake liner halfway full, a cookie scoop is a good tool to use here. Then bake for 12 to 15 minutes and allow to cool on a wire rack for about an hour.

a collage of 4 images showing how to make the frosting for creamsicle orange cupcakes

STEP 3: FROSTING

Meanwhile, combine the frosting and whipped topping together in a medium bowl, add to a piping bag or a zip top bag with a corner nipped off and frost the cooled cupcakes.

a collage of 2 images showing how to use a straw to decorate summer cupcakes

STEP 4: DECORATE

Finally, decorate with the orange sprinkles and if you like, insert a piece of a colorful straw into each cupcake.

Prep and Storage Tips for Creamsicle Cake

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME

These cupcakes can be made several days in advance and stored ar room temperature in an airtight container or well wrapped. They are fine at room temperature or in the fridge. Just make sure they are not frosted.

HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE

Store the creamsicle cupcakes in the fridge for up to 4 days well wrapped or in an airtight container.

HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE

After the cupcakes have cooled thoroughly, place the Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes in an airtight container to freeze. Ensure the container is roomy enough on the top and sides that they are not squished or crushed. Thaw the cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator. see more tips here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE HEALTHIER?

Use a gluten free cake mix, sugar free cake mix or zero sugar orange soda.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE A DIFFERENT CAKE FLAVOR?

Of course, white cake, butter cake or yellow cake all work. Even try an orange cake flavor if available in your area.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Indeed, if you are having a large gathering you can increase this recipe to meet your needs or freeze half a batch for next time.

IS THERE A WAY TO ENHANCE THE ORANGE FLAVOR?

Yes, try using a layer of orange marmalade on the cupcakes before you frost them, or enhance your frosting with a little orange extract or orange zest to up the orange goodness.

3 creamsicle orange cupcakes on a white platter with more cupcakes in a pan in the background

Expert Tips for Making This Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes Recipe

  • Add Straws: Decorate with a cute piece of orange straw.
  • Orange Food Coloring: Make half of your icing orange and then swirl the white and orange on the top of the cupcake.
  • Variation tip: Decorate the top with sugar coated orange slices.
  • Alternate ingredient: Vanilla Pudding adds even more flavor to these cupcakes.
  • Dietary consideration tip: Sugar free products are great and no one will notice, this cake is that good.

Did you try this recipe?
Click below to leave a review and rating!

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

5 from 56 votes
Creamsicle orange cupcakes bring back the flavor of orange cream popsicles in an easy, box-mix cupcake. A can of orange soda does all the flavor work, no zesting or extracts required.
Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 15 minutes
Decorating Time : 20 minutes
Total Time : 45 minutes
Servings: 24 Cupcakes
Course: Cupcakes
Calories: 196kcal
Author: Christina

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 15.25 ounces Vanilla cake mix
  • 12 ounces Orange soda
  • 16 ounces Vanilla frosting
  • 16 ounce Whipped topping, thawed
  • Orange sprinkles, for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a cupcake pan with the orange cupcake liners.
  • Add the cake mix and orange soda to a large bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 1 minute, until combined.
  • Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter.
  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cupcakes for about 1 hour.
  • Mix the frosting and whipped topping together in a separate bowl.
  • Spoon the frosting mixture into a piping bag fitted with a tip. Pipe the frosting onto each cooled cupcake, starting at the outer edge and working toward the middle.
  • Top each cupcake with orange sprinkles. Cut a straw into 4 pieces and insert one piece into each cupcake, if desired.

Christina’s Notes

  • Fill Liners Halfway Only: These cupcakes rise significantly, so overfilling leads to overflow in the oven.
  • Cool for the Full Hour: Frosting too soon will melt right off a still-warm cupcake.
  • Use Full-Strength Orange Soda: Diet or flavored variations can change the flavor and color, so stick with regular orange soda for the most reliable result.
  • Fold, Don’t Stir, the Whipped Topping: Folding keeps the frosting light instead of deflating the whipped topping.
  • Storage Tip: Keep these refrigerated, since the whipped frosting needs to stay cold.

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 0.4mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to https://cakemixrecipes.com/privacy-policy-2/
We love honest feedback, but to keep reviews helpful for everyone, we reserve the right to remove star ratings if it is clear the recipe has not been made, if the comment does not provide meaningful input, or if significant substitutions or alterations were made. Please note that ratings should reflect the original recipe as written to avoid confusing other readers.

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5 from 56 votes (52 ratings without comment)

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