Description
A light, fluffy cake bursting with bright citrus and creamy vanilla flavors, this Orange Creamsicle Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Made with fresh orange juice, zest, and a rich buttercream frosting, it captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic creamsicle in every bite! Whether you’re baking it for a summer party or a family gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
1. For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
2. For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
3. For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the orange zest, juice, and vanilla.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and orange zest. Whip until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake layers, spreading the frosting evenly.
- If using the orange glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice, then drizzle over the cake.
Notes
- For a more intense orange flavor, add ½ teaspoon orange extract to the batter.
- Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a tangier, less sweet alternative.
- Refrigerate before serving for a firmer texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg