What’s inside: the perfect citrus delight for creamsicle fans, Instant Pot Orange Cake with a simple vanilla-orange glaze.

Instant Pot Orange Cake Recipe

While we all know that the Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to getting dinner on the table quickly and easily on busy weeknights, it doesn’t get nearly enough attention for it’s ability to help whip up a quick and easy dessert!

Instead of traditional baking, the Instant Pot essentially steams desserts – which is perfect for cheesecakes, bread puddings, brownies and (of course) cakes. It might sound a bit weird, so for today’s recipe we went with a boxed cake mix to encourage you to dip your toes into the world of Instant Pot “baking” without worrying about putting in too much effort.

(And then when you see how amazing your Instant Pot cake turns out – hopefully that will give you the confidence to try some of our other favorite Instant Pot dessert recipes which I’ll list below.)

Baking in the Instant Pot nixes the need for preheating the oven, keeping an eye on the timer or heating up the house on a hot summer day. You simply mix up your batter, pour it into a cake pan, and let the magic happen with the touch of a button. No need to worry about uneven baking or overcooked edges – the Instant Pot ensures consistent and perfectly baked cakes every time.

We’ve elevated a basic orange cake mix (which comes out spongy, light and tender after steaming in the Instant Pot) with a simple 4-ingredient orange-vanilla glaze which gives the cake an unmistakable creamsicle-inspired flavor.

— Jennifer

Ingredients for Orange Cake

• 1 Box Orange Cake Mix
• Plus ingredients called for on the box
• 1 cup water, for instant pot

Cake Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup Powdered Confectioner’s Sugar
• 3-4 Tablespoons Milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Zest of an orange (about 2 teaspoons)

Tip: swap out the boxed cake mix flavor for your personal favorite to try out this easy method for “baking” a boxed cake.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Instant Pot
• 6″ Springform Pan
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Electric Mixer
• Mixing Bowl
• Citrus Zester

How to Make Orange Cake in the Instant Pot

Grease the cake pan and set aside.

Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert and place the trivet inside.

Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions.

Pour the batter into the greased cake pan.

Gently cover the cake pan with a paper towel.

Using a piece of aluminum foil, cover the paper towel and gently secure the paper towel around the rim of the pan.

Place the cake pan on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.

Press the  “Cake” button and set the mode to “Less”. Adjust the cook time to 50 minutes. (If your Instant Pot doesn’t have a cake setting, just use manual.)

Allow the Instant Pot to Natural Pressure Release, about 10 minutes. Remove the cake and allow to cool completely before glazing.

For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk until you reach your desired consistency, adding a bit more sugar or milk as needed.

Whisk in the orange zest and then pour the glaze over the cooled cake.

Set aside until glaze hardens, about 30 minutes.

Tips for the Best Experience Baking a Cake in the Instant Pot:

1. Picking the right cake pan: When baking cakes in the Instant Pot, it’s essential to use a cake pan that fits comfortably inside the Instant Pot insert. Opt for a sturdy, oven-safe pan with straight sides and a flat bottom to ensure even baking. A 7-inch round cake pan or a 6-inch springform pan typically works well for most Instant Pot models, but check to ensure your cake pan fits before putting the cake batter inside of it.
2. Use a foil sling: To easily lower and lift the cake pan in and out of the Instant Pot, create a foil sling by folding a long piece of aluminum foil into a strip and placing it underneath the cake pan. This makeshift handle makes it easier to maneuver the hot pan without burning yourself. Otherwise, you can use two sets of tongs to grip each side of the cake pan.
3. Natural pressure release: After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This gradual release helps prevent the cake from collapsing and ensures a moist and tender texture.
4. Cover the cake: To prevent condensation from dripping onto the cake during cooking, cover the cake pan with a piece of aluminum foil loosely tented over the top. This helps maintain the cake’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy – but this step is optional and your cake will still turn out great if you skip this step.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or want to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping treat, this Orange Cake made in the Instant Pot is sure to be a hit. It’s convenient, flavorful, and downright delicious – what more could you ask for? Let’s get baking and savor every delightful bite of this citrusy delight! 🍊✨

Instant Pot Creamsicle Cake (Printable Recipe Card):

Pin this Easy Tutorial for How to Cook a Cake in the Instant Pot:

You might also like our Swig Creamsicle Soda or our 2-Ingredient Creamsicle Cake.