Sunshine Dreamsicle Delight Cake
This delightful cake brings back fond memories of summer picnics and family gatherings around my Aunt Susie's kitchen table. The combination of fluffy angel food cake, sweet mandarin oranges, and creamy orange sherbet creates a refreshing treat that perfectly balances flavor and texture. Topped with a light and airy Cool Whip layer, this cake is a nostalgic reminder of childhood summers and an ideal dessert for warm days. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet evening, this cake is sure to brighten your day and impress your guests.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
angel food cake
1 (purchased from bakery department or homemade, cut into bite-sized cubes)
mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce) can (drained, reserving liquid)
orange Jell-O
1 (3 ounce) box
orange sherbet
1 pint (softened slightly for easier mixing)
Cool Whip
1 (8 ounce) container (thawed)
sugar
1/4 cup
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the angel food cake into bite-sized cubes and evenly distributing them in a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.
2
Drain the mandarin oranges, making sure to reserve their liquid for later use.
3
Measure the reserved liquid and add enough water to make a total of 1 cup of liquid.
4
Layer the mandarin oranges evenly over the cubes of angel food cake.
5
In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of juice (from the mandarin oranges and water) with the orange Jell-O.
6
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil, then remove from heat.
7
Allow the Jell-O mixture to cool in a large bowl for about 30 minutes.
8
Once the mixture has cooled, gently mix in the softened orange sherbet, thawed Cool Whip, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy.
9
Pour the Jell-O-sherbet mixture over the layered cake and mandarin oranges, ensuring even coverage.
10
Utilize a knife to gently swirl through the cake, aiding in even distribution of the creamy mixture.
11
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the cake is set.
12
Before serving, slice into squares and enjoy this light and refreshing treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sunshine Dreamsicle Delight Cake?
It is a refreshing dessert that combines fluffy angel food cake, sweet mandarin oranges, and creamy orange sherbet, topped with a light Cool Whip layer.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
What size baking dish is required for this cake?
You should use a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.
Can I use a store-bought angel food cake?
Yes, you can use an angel food cake purchased from a bakery department or a homemade one.
How should the angel food cake be prepared?
The cake should be cut into bite-sized cubes before being placed in the baking dish.
Do I need to save the liquid from the canned mandarin oranges?
Yes, it is important to reserve the liquid from the 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges for the Jell-O mixture.
What do I do if the reserved mandarin orange juice is less than one cup?
Measure the reserved liquid and add enough water to reach a total of 1 cup of liquid.
How is the orange Jell-O prepared for this recipe?
Combine the 1 cup of juice/water mixture with the orange Jell-O in a saucepan and heat until it reaches a boil, then remove from heat.
How long should the Jell-O mixture cool before adding the other ingredients?
Allow the Jell-O mixture to cool in a large bowl for about 30 minutes.
What ingredients are mixed into the cooled Jell-O?
Gently mix in softened orange sherbet, thawed Cool Whip, sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
What type of sherbet is used in this cake?
The recipe calls for 1 pint of orange sherbet, slightly softened.
Should the Cool Whip be frozen or thawed?
The 8-ounce container of Cool Whip should be completely thawed before mixing.
Why is a knife used to swirl through the cake mixture?
Swirling a knife through the cake cubes helps aid in the even distribution of the creamy Jell-O-sherbet mixture.
How long does the cake need to refrigerate?
Refrigerate the dish for at least 4 hours, though leaving it overnight is preferable to ensure it is fully set.
How should the Sunshine Dreamsicle Delight Cake be served?
Once set, slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.
What is the main flavor profile of this dessert?
It features a citrusy orange flavor balanced with creamy vanilla and sweet angel food cake, similar to a creamsicle.
Does this recipe include vanilla?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the creamy flavor.
How much sugar is added to the topping mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sugar mixed into the sherbet and Cool Whip topping.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal dessert for warm days and summer picnics because it is light and refreshing.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a Dessert.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cake, dessert, angel food cake, orange, sherbet, nostalgic, refreshing, family recipe, and summer dessert.
Can I use different fruit for this recipe?
While mandarin oranges are traditional for the Dreamsicle flavor, you could experiment with other fruits and matching Jell-O flavors.
How do I store the leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator to keep the cream mixture set.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients: angel food cake, mandarin oranges, orange Jell-O, orange sherbet, Cool Whip, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Is this cake easy for beginners to make?
Yes, since it uses pre-made cake and a simple assembly method, it is very accessible for novice bakers.
Does the recipe require baking?
No, this is a no-bake assembly recipe, though the Jell-O mixture requires heating on the stovetop.
Can I use low-fat Cool Whip?
Yes, a low-fat or sugar-free whipped topping can typically be substituted without changing the assembly process.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings around Aunt Susie's kitchen table.
What size box of orange Jell-O is needed?
You will need one 3-ounce box of orange Jell-O.
Can I make this cake in a different dish size?
While 9 x 13 is recommended for the correct thickness, you could use similar volume dishes, though the layering depth will vary.