Easy Orange Ice Cream Cake Recipe: Refreshing Dessert to Try Today

Why You’ll Love This Orange Ice Cream Cake

Looking for a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly refreshing? This Orange Ice Cream Cake recipe is perfect for you! Combining the zesty flavor of fresh oranges with creamy ice cream, it’s a treat that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a special celebration, this dessert brings a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. Best of all, you don’t need to be a baking expert to create it. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe that will soon become your new favorite!

Easy Orange Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients for Easy Orange Ice Cream Cake

A light and refreshing orange dessert perfect for summer parties or weekend treats.

🍊 Main Ingredients

These are the key components that give this cake its citrusy and creamy flavor.

  • 1 ½ cups orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
    Adds that vibrant orange flavor — your cake’s main hero.
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
    Gives the cake a natural citrus aroma and a punch of flavor.
  • 1 liter vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
    For a smooth, creamy base that pairs perfectly with orange.
  • 1 ½ cups whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
    Lightens up the cake texture and adds volume.
  • 1 packet (200g) digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
    Used for the crust. Adds a nice crunchy base.
  • ½ cup melted butter
    To bind the biscuit base together and give a rich taste.

🍬 Optional Toppings

Make it more fun and eye-catching!

  • Orange slices (fresh or candied)
  • Mint leaves for a fresh touch
  • Grated white chocolate for decoration
  • Crushed meringue or nuts for extra crunch

🛒 Quick Shopping Tip

If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-made vanilla ice cream and whipped topping to save time!

How to Make Easy Orange Ice Cream Cake

A creamy and citrusy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for hot days!


🥄 Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base

This forms the crunchy layer at the bottom of your orange dessert cake.

  • In a mixing bowl, combine crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) with melted butter.
  • Mix until the texture feels like wet sand.
  • Pour this mixture into a springform pan (8 or 9-inch).
  • Press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a flat crust.
  • Place the pan in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes to set.

🍊 Step 2: Mix the Orange Cream Layer

Time to bring in that delicious orange flavor!

  • In a large bowl, add softened vanilla ice cream. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before mixing.
  • Stir in orange juice and orange zest.
  • Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Gently fold in the whipped cream to make it light and airy.

🧊 Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Cake

Layer it up and get ready to freeze!

  • Take the crust out of the freezer.
  • Pour the orange cream mixture on top of the crust and spread it evenly.
  • Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

❄️ Step 4: Freeze the Cake

Let it chill and firm up beautifully.

  • Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil.
  • Freeze for at least 5–6 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • The longer it sets, the easier it is to slice and serve.

🍽️ Step 5: Decorate and Serve

The fun part! Add your personal touch.

  • Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for easier slicing.
  • Decorate with fresh orange slices, mint leaves, white chocolate shavings, or anything you like.
  • Slice and serve cold. Enjoy your refreshing orange ice cream cake!

Serving & Storage Tips for Easy Orange Ice Cream Cake

Easy Orange Ice Cream Cake

Make your orange ice cream cake look and taste its best with these simple tips!


🎂 How to Serve Orange Ice Cream Cake

Get clean slices and fresh flavor every time!

✅ Let it Sit Before Slicing
  • Remove the cake from the freezer about 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  • This makes it easier to cut through the creamy layers without cracking.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for smooth, clean slices.
🍊 Add Fresh Toppings Just Before Serving
  • For a beautiful presentation, add fresh orange slices, mint leaves, or whipped cream swirls just before serving.
  • Don’t add toppings too early — they may lose texture in the freezer.
🧁 Serve on Chilled Plates
  • Want your dessert to stay firm longer on the plate?
  • Chill the serving plates in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving.
  • This works great for outdoor summer parties!

🧊 How to Store Ice Cream Cake Properly

Keep your frozen treat fresh and flavorful for days!

❄️ Store in the Freezer
  • Always keep your cake frozen in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
  • If using a springform pan, cover the top with foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
📆 Best Storage Time
  • Your orange ice cream cake will stay fresh for up to 7–10 days in the freezer.
  • After that, it might start to lose its creamy texture and flavor.
🧼 Avoid Freezer Odors
  • Store away from foods like onions or garlic to prevent odor transfer.
  • For extra protection, place the cake inside a box or cake carrier with a lid.

🕒 Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Days

Perfect for parties, birthdays, or summer barbecues!

  • You can make this cake 2–3 days in advance. Just keep it well-covered in the freezer.
  • Decorate it right before serving so the toppings stay fresh and beautiful.
  • For transport, place the cake in a cooler with ice packs to keep it frozen on the go.

Nutrition Information & Healthy Substitutions

Enjoy your orange ice cream cake guilt-free — or make it even healthier with smart swaps!


💡 Healthier Ingredient Swaps

Make your orange ice cream cake lighter without losing flavor!

🍦 Ice Cream:

Instead of: Regular vanilla ice cream (high in sugar and fat)
Try:

  • Low-fat or light vanilla ice cream
  • Frozen yogurt for added probiotics
  • Dairy-free coconut or almond milk-based ice cream for a plant-based version

🍊 Orange Juice & Zest:

Use fresh orange juice and zest instead of store-bought juice with added sugars.

  • Add pulp for extra fiber.
  • Choose organic oranges to avoid pesticide residues on the peel.

🍪 Biscuit Base:

Instead of: Butter + digestive biscuits
Try:

  • Gluten-free oat cookies or almond flour crust
  • Use less butter or replace half with unsweetened applesauce
  • Add chia seeds or crushed nuts for extra fiber and crunch

🍶 Whipped Cream:

Instead of: Full-fat dairy whipped cream
Try:

  • Coconut whipped topping
  • Light whipped cream (available in low-calorie versions)
  • Or make your own using Greek yogurt + honey + vanilla — creamy and full of protein!

🌱 Tips for Special Diets

Adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs.

  • For Vegan: Use dairy-free ice cream, coconut whipped cream, and plant-based butter.
  • For Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookies or almond flour for the crust.
  • For Low-Sugar: Choose sugar-free ice cream and whipped cream; use stevia-sweetened orange juice.

🧠 Smart Eating Tips
  • Stick to smaller portions (a thin slice is satisfying!).
  • Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or kiwi for natural sweetness.
  • Drink water or herbal tea instead of sweet drinks alongside the cake.

🧁 Estimated Nutrition Facts

NutrientAmount per slice% Daily Value (DV)
Calories300 kcal
Total Fat19 g24%
Saturated Fat10 g50%
Cholesterol40 mg13%
Sodium120 mg5%
Total Carbohydrates30 g11%
Sugars20 g
Dietary Fiber1 g4%
Protein3 g6%
Calcium~100 mg10%
Vitamin C~20 mg25%

🔎 Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used (such as the type of ice cream or biscuit base). Always check your labels if you follow a specific diet.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Summer Dessert!

If you’re looking for a refreshing, creamy, and citrus-packed treat that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress — this Easy Orange Ice Cream Cake might just become your new go-to summer favorite.

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a birthday party, or simply want something cool on a hot day, this no-bake cake has it all:
✅ Simple ingredients
✅ No oven required
✅ Big flavor with a light, creamy texture

So grab those oranges, whip up this dreamy dessert, and don’t forget to share a slice with friends or family. They’ll be asking for the recipe — promise!

📌 Love this recipe? Pin it now and save it for your next sweet craving! Follow us on Pinterest @recifacil for more tasty ideas every week.

🍫 Got a sweet tooth? Try our beloved Easy Brazilian Brigadeiros Recipe with Only 3 Ingredients – a classic Brazilian treat that melts in your mouth!