Coconut Creamsicle Sheet Cake
July 14, 2025
A Tropical Twist on a Classic Ice Cream Favorite
This Coconut Creamsicle Sheet Cake brings sunshine to every bite with its mix of orange cake, creamy coconut frosting, and golden toasted coconut on top. It’s inspired by the nostalgic creamsicle flavor but upgraded into a chilled, sliceable dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for warm-weather celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super moist thanks to sour cream
- Bursting with nostalgic coconut creamsicle flavor
- Easy to make with an orange cake mix
- Topped with rich cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut
- Perfect for summer parties, birthdays, or citrus dessert lovers
Ingredient Notes
- Orange Cake Mix: Any brand works, but Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker gives a bold citrus flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness—don’t skip it!
- Coconut Extract: Enhances the tropical flavor and ties in with the toasted coconut.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and keep it cold to help the frosting whip up thick and creamy.
- Orange Juice: Fresh is best for brightness, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
- Toasted Coconut: Toast in a dry skillet for a deeper flavor and pretty golden color—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Before You Make
Do I need to toast the coconut myself?
Yes—pre-toasted coconut doesn’t give the same flavor or golden color. Toast it in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, and remove it as soon as it turns golden.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
You can, but sweetened shredded coconut gives a chewier texture and more flavor. If using unsweetened, consider adding a touch more sugar to the frosting.
Will the cream cheese frosting be too soft?
Not if the cream cheese is cold and the butter is softened (not melted). Beat until fluffy, then chill the cake after frosting to help it set.
Coconut Creamsicle Sheet Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box orange cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cold
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
Topping:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted until golden
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9 dish with baking spray (the kind with flour.)
- Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box, then stir in sour cream, coconut extract, and 1/2 cup shredded coconut.
- Pour into the pan and bake according to box directions (usually 28–32 minutes) until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely.
- While the cake bakes or cools, toast 1 cup of shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until golden. Let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, and coconut extract. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the toasted coconut all over the top. Chill for 20–30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
FAQ
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld and the frosting firms up.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Stick with orange for the full creamsicle experience, but lemon or vanilla could work in a pinch.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting. Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Absolutely. Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes. Top with frosting and toasted coconut once cooled.
Can I freeze the cake?
You can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for best results.
Sprinkle of Fun
Channel the sweet nostalgia of chasing the ice cream truck with this Coconut Creamsicle Sheet Cake. It’s got all the creamsicle flavor of those orange-and-vanilla treats we couldn’t get enough of as kids—only now, you can pair it with retro summer movies like Weekend at Bernie’s, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, or Caddyshack. Serve it cold, kick back with a creamsicle-inspired cocktail or soda, and let the throwback fun begin.
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