Orange Vanilla Creamsicle Cake

Name: Orange Vanilla Creamsicle Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; ½ cup fresh orange juice; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes

I love making this Orange Vanilla Creamsicle Cake because it combines the refreshing taste of oranges with rich vanilla flavor in a delightful dessert. Each bite transports me back to warm summer days and childhood treats. The layers are moist and flavorful, while the creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. It's an ideal dessert for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge yourself. Trust me, this cake will impress your friends and family with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:02:28.582Z

When I first decided to make the Orange Vanilla Creamsicle Cake, I wanted to evoke those nostalgic flavors from my childhood. I experimented with different ratios of orange juice and zest to make sure that the citrus was not overpowering but just right. The result was a balanced cake that was bright and flavorful. Using high-quality vanilla extract also enhanced the overall taste, linking the fruity notes with the creamy frosting beautifully.

One key tip I discovered during my baking journey is to let the cake layers cool completely before frosting. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures that every layer stays intact. Also, a sprinkle of orange zest on top makes for a lovely presentation and adds a fresh aroma that makes people’s mouths water. You’re going to love how this cake turns out!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright citrus flavor that invigorates your taste buds
Luxurious vanilla cream frosting that complements the cake perfectly
Easy to make yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The foundation of this Orange Vanilla Creamsicle Cake lies in its key ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter. All-purpose flour provides the structure necessary for the cake while retaining moisture, ensuring a tender crumb. Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also promotes browning during baking, contributing to a beautiful golden top. Unsalted butter, when creamed with sugar, adds richness and flavor, becoming aerated to create a light cake texture. It's essential to use room temperature butter for optimal creaming; this helps achieve the best volume and airy texture.

Incorporating fresh orange juice and zest elevates the cake, creating a fragrant balance of flavors. The acidity in the orange juice reacts with the baking powder, resulting in a lighter cake. The zest contains essential oils that intensify the citrus aroma, enhancing the overall eating experience. For a less intense orange flavor, you can adjust the amount of juice or zest, but remember that too much can overpower the vanilla essence.

Making the Perfect Frosting

The luxurious vanilla cream frosting is what makes this cake truly special. It’s important to beat the butter until it is very smooth before adding the powdered sugar; this helps create a silky texture. Gradually adding the powdered sugar allows you to control the consistency, which should be fluffy but spreadable. If your frosting is too thick, a tablespoon of heavy cream can help achieve your desired fluffiness. This frosting not only complements the cake layers but also holds up well for decorative piping if you decide to embellish the cake.

A common challenge when making frosting is achieving the right sweetness balance. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, consider adding extra citrus juice to enhance flavor without significantly increasing the sugar content. Additionally, refrigerating the frosting for about 15 minutes before spreading it on the cake can help it firm up, making application easier and creating cleaner edges.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Orange Vanilla Creamsicle Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for gatherings. After frosting, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, take it out a bit before slicing; this allows the cake to come to room temperature, enhancing its moist texture and flavor. For longer preservation, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Serving suggestions can also elevate your dessert experience. While the cake is delightful on its own, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of a citrusy glaze for added flavor. To enhance visual appeal, chocolate shavings or edible flowers can provide a beautiful contrast against the bright orange and white. Your guests will appreciate the extra touch and it might just make your cake the star of the dessert table!

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup fresh orange juice
½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture.

Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake the Cake

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 before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate and Serve

Optional: Garnish with additional orange zest or slices. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a layer of orange marmalade between the cake layers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake layers are doming in the oven, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined; this reduces gluten formation and results in a flatter, more even cake. Alternatively, placing damp paper towels around the cake pans during baking can help distribute heat evenly, leading to a more level surface. In case your cake layers end up too dry, this could indicate that they were overbaked. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes, and use the toothpick test for doneness, ensuring it comes out clean but not overly dry.

Sometimes, cakes can sink in the middle after cooling, which is often caused by not allowing the eggs to adjust to room temperature or by opening the oven door too early during baking. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing, and avoid opening the oven door for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent sudden temperature drops.

Variations to Try

For those looking to experiment, consider adding almond extract to your vanilla frosting for a unique twist. Almond complements orange beautifully while adding a nutty note that can elevate the cake's flavor profile. You could also explore using different citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit for a refreshing change; simply substitute fresh juice and zest accordingly to achieve a new taste sensation.

To create a layered dessert, you can transform this cake into cupcakes. Adjust your baking time to around 18-20 minutes and monitor closely, as cupcakes bake faster than cakes. Topping them with a swirl of frosting and a candy orange slice can provide great presentation for parties while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different citrus fruit?

Yes, you can substitute orange with lemon or lime for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, the cake can be frozen before frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use instead of butter in the frosting?

You can replace butter with cream cheese for a tangier frosting, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.