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Orange Creamsicle Cake

Bright, silky, and nostalgic — all the creamy orange flavor of a creamsicle in a simple layer cake.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  5. Mix in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice until combined.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk slowly to avoid overmixing — begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a rack and cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese (and optional ¼ cup softened butter for extra structure) until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
  10. Pour in heavy cream and mix on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Adjust consistency with powdered sugar or cream as needed.
  11. Frost the cooled cake layers, stack, and chill slightly before serving to set the frosting.

Notes

Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor. Room-temperature ingredients yield a lighter cake.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Orange Creamsicle Cake, Dessert, Summer Cake, Celebration Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting