Sweet Sunrise: Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer afternoons spark nostalgia for classic orange creamsicle treats that dance between tangy and sweet memories.

This delightful orange creamsicle cake recipe captures childhood flavors in every delectable slice.

Bursting with bright citrus notes and creamy undertones, the cake brings a refreshing twist to traditional desserts.

Layers of moist orange-infused cake meld seamlessly with velvety cream cheese frosting.

Each bite promises a cool, zesty experience that transports you to carefree moments of joy.

The recipe blends simplicity with extraordinary flavor, making it perfect for weekend baking adventures.

Dive into this delightful dessert and let your taste buds celebrate a symphony of orange and cream.

Serving Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe Ideas

• Citrus Party Platter: Arrange orange slices, mint leaves, and edible flowers around the cake for a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy presentation that screams summer celebration.
• Creamy Companion Combo: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the cake's dreamy orange-cream flavor profile.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Match the cake with a chilled glass of sparkling prosecco, orange-infused iced tea, or a light citrus mocktail to complement its bright, zesty notes.
• Brunch Showstopper: Feature this cake as a decadent dessert at weekend brunches, morning celebrations, or afternoon tea gatherings where its vibrant color and refreshing taste will impress guests.

How To Store Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

• Cool Chilling Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and maintaining its creamy texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cake layers or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for 2-3 months without losing flavor or quality.
• Room Temperature Tips: If serving within 24 hours, keep the cake in a covered cake carrier at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent frosting melting.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cake layers and frosting separately up to 2 days before assembly, storing layers wrapped in plastic and refrigerating frosting in a sealed container for maximum convenience and time-saving preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything In Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

• Cake Mix: Provides the foundational texture and structure, choose a high-quality white or vanilla mix for best results.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness, select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth incorporation.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness, opt for a neutral-flavored oil like canola.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright citrus flavor and moisture, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zestiness.
• Orange Zest: Boosts intense orange essence, use organic oranges to avoid wax coating.
• Orange Gelatin Powder: Intensifies orange color and flavor, select a vibrant, high-quality brand.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich base, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Cream Cheese: Provides tangy depth and creamy texture, select full-fat variety for best consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and complexity, choose pure extract over artificial.
• Heavy Cream: Adjusts frosting consistency, use cold for easier whipping.

• Fresh Orange Slices: Adds visual appeal and fresh citrus accent.
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, aromatic finishing touch.
• Sprinkles: Creates festive, playful decoration.

Tools To Bake Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized for cake batter and frosting preparation.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating butter, cream cheese, and creating smooth frosting.
• Cake Pans: Two 9-inch round pans for baking cake layers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Wire Rack: Cooling cakes after baking.
• Offset Spatula: Smooth frosting and create decorative swirls.
• Toothpick: Test cake doneness.
• Grater: Zest oranges.
• Serving Plate: Display and serve the cake.

How To Make Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab your cake pans and give them a light coating of grease to ensure a smooth cake release.

• Batter Creation

Dump the cake mix into a big mixing bowl and bring it to life with eggs, oil, and a splash of zesty orange juice. Whisk everything together until it’s silky smooth. Sprinkle in the orange gelatin for that vibrant creamsicle magic.

• Baking Magic

Pour the sunshine-colored batter evenly into your prepared pans. Let the oven work its transformation for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool and relax for a bit before moving them.

• Frosting Fantasy

Grab your mixer and cream together butter and cream cheese until they’re dreamy and smooth. Slowly introduce powdered sugar, mixing until it becomes a cloud-like frosting. A dash of vanilla adds that extra special touch. Adjust the consistency with a bit of cream to make it perfectly spreadable.

• Cake Assembly

Place the first cake layer on your favorite serving plate. Lavish it with a thick blanket of creamy frosting. Gently crown it with the second cake layer. Cover the entire cake in a luscious frost coating, creating swirls or smooth sides as your heart desires.

• Final Flourish

Dress up your cake with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of zest. Slice into this dreamy creation and serve to eager friends and family.

Sweet Tips For Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

• Creamy Frost Tricks: Tips that transform your Orange Creamsicle Cake from good to absolutely spectacular!
• Room Temperature Magic: Let eggs, butter, and cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, more even blending and fluffier texture.
• Zest Boost: Add extra orange zest directly into frosting for intensified citrus flavor that makes taste buds dance with excitement.
• Moisture Master: Brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting to lock in moisture and prevent dry cake edges, keeping every slice delightfully tender.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream to create a luscious lactose-free frosting that doesn't compromise on creamy goodness.

Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Creamy orange creamsicle cake delivers nostalgic summer flavors in a delightful dessert. Citrus-infused layers with velvety frosting will transport you to childhood memories of cool, refreshing treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (15.25 oz/432 g) white or vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
• 1 small box (3 oz/85 g) orange-flavored gelatin
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsps heavy cream or milk
• Fresh orange slices
• Orange sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheating and Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C). Prepare cake pans by thoroughly greasing and flouring, or lining with parchment paper for seamless cake release.
2. Batter Creation: Combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, orange zest, and orange gelatin powder in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that radiates vibrant citrus notes.
3. Baking Process: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge pristine and residue-free.
4. Cooling Stage: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transition to a wire rack. Allow layers to cool completely, ensuring optimal frosting application and structural integrity.
5. Frosting Development: Whip butter and cream cheese until ethereally smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, integrating vanilla extract for nuanced flavor. Calibrate consistency with delicate additions of heavy cream or milk.
6. Cake Assembly: Position first cake layer on serving plate. Lavish with a generous frosting layer. Crown with second cake layer, then meticulously enrobe entire cake in remaining frosting.
7. Finishing Touches: Embellish with gossamer orange zest, vibrant orange segments, or playful sprinkles. Briefly chill to stabilize frosting or serve at ambient temperature for a luscious dining experience.

Notes

• Zest Maximization: Collect fresh orange zest using a microplane grater for intense citrus flavor without bitter white pith.
• Moisture Maintenance: Add orange juice gradually to prevent cake batter from becoming too liquid, ensuring a dense and tender crumb.
• Temperature Control: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing for smoother, more uniform cake batter.
• Frosting Stability: Chill cream cheese and butter beforehand to create a firmer, more spreadable frosting that holds its shape better.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg