Bursts of bright citrus and creamy sweetness come together in a way that’s impossible to resist in this Orange Creamsicle Cake. Every bite is like enjoying the nostalgic, icy treats from summer days gone by, but with all the comfort of a homemade bake. Tender orange-kissed layers are paired with the dreamiest orange cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s delightfully refreshing and decadent at the same time. Whether you’re making it for a summer party, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something special, this cake will bring sunshine to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of an Orange Creamsicle Cake lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings a punch of flavor, texture, or vibrant color. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus a few tips to ensure your cake turns out as bright and irresistible as its name promises.
- White cake mix: The ideal blank canvas for infusing bold citrus flavor while keeping things easy and reliable.
- Orange juice: Adds tangy brightness and the unmistakable taste of fresh oranges throughout the cake.
- Vegetable oil: Guarantees a moist, tender crumb without overpowering other flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the cake’s texture.
- Orange zest: Brings bursts of pure, aromatic orange oil that amp up natural citrus vibes.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, echoing that classic creamsicle combination.
- Cream cheese (softened): Delivers a creamy, tangy base for the luscious frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Enhances richness and ensures smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, creating that fluffy texture we love.
- Extra orange juice and zest (for frosting): Intensifies the citrus flavor and gives a vibrant lift to every forkful.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so everything bakes evenly. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch pan with baking spray or a swipe of butter. Lining the bottoms with parchment makes removal a breeze—because no one likes a stuck cake!
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, bring together the cake mix, orange juice, oil, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until everything is smooth and luxuriously creamy. The batter will look and smell like fresh oranges, and you’ll already be eager for that first bite.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the dreamy batter evenly into your prepared pans. Slide them onto the middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the kitchen should fill with citrusy goodness! They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before gently turning them out onto a rack.
Step 4: Make the Orange Creamsicle Frosting
With the cakes cooling, it’s time for the showstopper: the orange-cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then blend in vanilla, orange juice, and zest. Keep beating until it’s fluffy and irresistible—it should hold good peaks and look glossy, not runny.
Step 5: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Once completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers (if using round pans) and over the top and sides. Feel free to swoosh your spatula for fun swirls, or keep it smooth for a more classic look. A little extra zest or a few orange slices on top make this Orange Creamsicle Cake look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake
Garnishes
To finish with flair, shower the frosted cake with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest, delicate candied orange peel, or thin slices of orange. A small handful of edible flowers, like pansies or nasturtiums, can give a splash of color fit for any celebration. The goal is to make your Orange Creamsicle Cake look as sun-kissed and joyful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pairing options are truly endless, but a few favorites include a fresh fruit salad loaded with berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re serving tea or champagne, both make wonderfully light and complementary sips alongside this zesty treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into individual squares and topping each with a dollop of frosting and a twist of orange peel for a party-ready look. Cupcake-style Orange Creamsicle Cake is always a hit for birthdays—just divide the batter between lined muffin tins and adjust baking time. For a wow-factor, layer the cake with thinly sliced oranges between frosting layers as a surprise burst of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Orange Creamsicle Cake tasting fresh by covering it well and refrigerating. An airtight container works best, and the cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. The orange aroma lingers and intensifies, so each slice is as tempting as the first.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. If you’ve already frosted the cake, freeze uncovered just until the frosting is solid, then wrap—this keeps the texture intact for any make-ahead needs.
Reheating
While Orange Creamsicle Cake is usually enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a touch of warmth, let a slice sit on the counter until it loses its chill—it softens up beautifully. Avoid microwaving frosted cake, as the cream cheese can melt and lose its airy texture.
FAQs
Can I use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled?
Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended! Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the cake a naturally vibrant citrus flavor. Just be sure to strain out any seeds or large pulp before adding to the batter or frosting.
Is it possible to make this Orange Creamsicle Cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free white cake mix (make sure it weighs the same as a regular box). Everything else in the recipe remains the same, so you can still enjoy all the zesty, creamy goodness.
Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes?
Definitely! Divide the batter between lined muffin tins, filling about two-thirds full. Bake for around 18 to 22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. They’re perfect for parties or lunchbox treats!
How do I intensify the orange flavor?
For extra punch, add 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract to the cake batter or the frosting. You can also swirl in a little orange marmalade between layers or as a topper for more citrus depth.
Does Orange Creamsicle Cake need to be refrigerated?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store this cake in the fridge. Bring it out about 30 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture and fullest flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or any occasion that deserves a burst of sunshine, Orange Creamsicle Cake never fails to impress. Every slice feels like a happy celebration, and with such easy steps, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Go ahead—bake yourself a slice of nostalgia and enjoy every dreamy bite!
Print
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful citrus flavors of this Orange Creamsicle Cake. A moist white cake infused with orange juice and zest, topped with a creamy and tangy orange cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease cake pans.
- Mix the cake batter: Combine cake mix, orange juice, oil, eggs, zest, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and zest. Frost the cooled cake.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with zest or orange slices.
Notes
- Enhance orange flavor with 1/2 tsp orange extract.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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