I have been making these easy orange creamsicle cupcakes for a number of years and they are one of my favorite easy cupcakes!

They are always a hit when I bring them to parties. I think it’s because there is usually chocolate or vanilla cupcakes so it’s a nice change in flavors.

The cupcakes start with a cake mix with a few adjustments which make them really easy. The frosting  is super light and creamy and goes great with the cupcakes. An optional step is to use an apple corer and take out the middle of the cupcake.

Then using THIS whipped cream frosting you fill the inside. You will have leftover frosting, however, because it doesn’t use very much to fill the insides. You can also skip that step and the cupcakes still are very good. But it’s always fun to have the surprise center.

Although these cupcakes are a great summertime treat, I think they would be awesome at a Halloween party made with black cupcake liners!

Orange Creamsicle Cake

1 package yellow cake mix
2 tablespoons orange Jell-O
1 container orange soda (such as Crush or Fanta)
Ingredients called for in package directions

Follow the cake mix directions, replacing water called for in recipe with orange soda and adding 2 tablespoons orange Jell-O. Bake according to package directions. Allow cupcakes to cook completely, then frost with orange creamsicle frosting (recipe below). Optional- add a candy orange slice for decoration.

Orange Creamsicle Frosting

1 container cool whip (16 oz) thawed
1 pkg orange Jell-O (3 oz)  minus 2 tablespoons (used in the cake mix)
1 cup orange soda

In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix all ingredients together for about 2 minutes on medium speed. Frosting will thicken a little bit after sitting. Frosts 24 cupcakes.