Orange Creamsicle Cake: The Perfect Summer Dessert
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is like a bite of summer in dessert form. Imagine indulging in the nostalgic flavors of a classic creamsicle—a perfect balance of tangy orange and creamy vanilla—all wrapped up in one moist and fluffy cake. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe truly special is the vibrant orange zest paired with freshly squeezed juice, giving the cake its bright, citrusy notes. Combined with the smooth, dreamy orange cream frosting, each slice is pure sunshine. Let’s dive into the details of how you can prepare this delightful treat in your own kitchen.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: This cake delivers a bright orange flavor with hints of creamy vanilla, perfectly complemented by its buttery frosting.
- Texture: Expect a tender and fluffy crumb with a silky, luxurious frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Aroma: Fresh, zesty orange notes with a touch of vanilla waft through every step of the baking process.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant orange hues and smooth frosting make this cake a feast for the eyes.
- Skill Level Needed: Suitable for home bakers with basic experience; the steps are straightforward and manageable.
- Special Equipment: An electric mixer, 9×13-inch baking pan, and wire cooling rack are essential.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is accessible for beginner to intermediate bakers.
- Category: Dessert, cake.
- Cuisine: Inspired by classic American desserts, with a nostalgic creamsicle twist.
- Cost: Budget-friendly—with staple pantry ingredients and a few fresh additions, it’s cost-effective to make.
- Season: Best served during spring or summer, but the bright flavors can brighten up any season.
- Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, summer BBQs, picnics, or just as a weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The taste is undeniably the star of this recipe. The natural sweetness of fresh oranges meets the comforting vanilla undertone, giving you a cake that’s indulgent yet refreshing. It doesn’t just taste good—it feels good, with a burst of sunshine in every bite.
Convenience is another highlight. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this beauty in the oven, filling your home with its mouthwatering aroma. Have dietary needs? Don’t worry—the recipe is easy to adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free lifestyles.
And let’s talk about how showstopping this cake is. Its vibrant orange color and creamy frosting make it the centerpiece of any dessert table. But at its core, the Orange Creamsicle Cake is about bringing people together, whether that’s during a family gathering or an impromptu summer get-together.
The Recipe
Orange Creamsicle Cake
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
For the Orange Cream Frosting
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whip until fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and garnish with additional orange zest or fresh orange slices, if desired.
Recipe Notes
- For a more intense orange flavor, increase the orange zest in the batter and frosting.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, milk can be substituted in the frosting, but it may be slightly less rich.
- Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this refreshing Orange Creamsicle Cake—it’s the perfect dessert to brighten any day!