Nothing quite captures the taste of summer like the nostalgic flavor of an orange creamsicle; that creamy vanilla and citrus burst brings back sunny memories with every bite. If you're looking for a dessert that channels that same refreshing magic, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is exactly what you need.
This homemade cake is moist, light, and full of bright orange flavor paired with smooth vanilla cream; the perfect balance that makes it irresistible. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering, treating your family, or simply craving a childhood favorite, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is guaranteed to impress without stress.
No fancy skills needed here; the best part about this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is how incredibly simple it is to make. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a bakery-style dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better.
Why You Will Love This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
The Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe brings back all the charm of a 1950s summer treat; that blend of tangy citrus and smooth vanilla never goes out of style. It's a refreshing yet indulgent dessert that feels just as nostalgic as it is delicious.
What makes this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe extra special is its thoughtful layering. A soft orange cake made with real orange juice and zest forms the base; it’s then topped with a rich vanilla frosting that captures that classic creamsicle taste in every bite.
Unlike dense or overly sweet cakes, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe feels light and airy; it’s perfect after a summer meal or as a treat at any casual get-together.
Serve it with berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cold glass of milk; no matter how you enjoy it, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe delivers a balance of flavor that’s bright, creamy, and sure to impress.
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Ingredients
For the Orange Cake:
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure for a tender crumb
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create moisture
- Unsalted butter, softened – Creates richness and tender texture
- Large eggs – Binds ingredients and adds richness
- Fresh orange juice – The star ingredient for authentic citrus flavor
- Orange zest – Intensifies the orange flavor with natural oils
- Whole milk – Keeps the cake moist and tender
- Baking powder – Ensures the cake rises properly
- Vanilla extract – Balances the citrus with warm undertones
- Salt – Enhances all flavors
For the Creamy Vanilla Frosting:
- Orange food coloring (optional) – For visual appeal
- Cream cheese, softened – Creates the signature creamy base
- Unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and smooth texture
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and provides frosting structure
- Vanilla extract – Essential for that creamsicle flavor
- Heavy cream – Achieves perfect spreading consistency
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Mix the Orange Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The batter will have a beautiful orange color and smooth consistency.
Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting. This ensures your layers won't break apart during assembly.
Make Frosting and Assemble
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until fluffy. Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer. Apply remaining frosting all over the cake in smooth strokes. For best results, chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Step 1: Mix the Orange Cake Batter
Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and blend in the orange juice and zest for a smooth batter.
- Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide and bake the batter until golden, then let the cake layers cool fully.
- Step 3: Make Frosting and Assemble
Spread vanilla frosting between and over the layers for a creamy finish.
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature matters: Room temperature ingredients are key to a smooth batter and even baking. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or bake unevenly.
- Fresh vs. bottled juice: Always use fresh orange juice when possible. The flavor difference is remarkable, and fresh juice contains natural oils that enhance the overall taste.
- Zest technique: When zesting oranges, only grate the colored outer peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and will affect your cake's flavor.
- Frosting consistency: If your frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before continuing. If it's too stiff, add cream one tablespoon at a time.
- Make-ahead tip: This cake actually tastes better the day after making it, as the flavors have time to meld together.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
- Transform this recipe into 24 cupcakes by dividing the batter among lined muffin cups. Bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature.
Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake
- After baking, poke holes throughout the warm cake and pour a mixture of orange gelatin and hot water over the top. Chill before adding a layer of whipped topping frosting.
No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Icebox Cake
- Layer store-bought vanilla wafers with orange-flavored whipped cream and chill overnight for an easy summer dessert.
Keto-Friendly Version
- Replace flour with almond flour and use a sugar substitute like erythritol. The texture will be slightly denser but equally delicious.
Vegan Orange Cream Cake
- Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter and milk, and replace cream cheese frosting with a coconut cream-based alternative.
Equipment Recommendations
- Essential tools for this recipe include two 9-inch round cake pans, an electric mixer (stand or hand), and wire cooling racks. A good offset spatula makes frosting application much easier and more professional-looking.
- Budget-friendly alternatives: If you don't have an electric mixer, you can cream butter and sugar by hand, though it will take more elbow grease and time. Mixing bowls of various sizes are helpful for organization.
- Pro upgrade: A bench scraper tool helps create perfectly smooth frosting sides, and a rotating cake stand makes decorating much easier.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- This frosted orange creamsicle cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration, so don't leave the finished cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- The unfrosted cake layers freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
- You can also freeze the completed cake for up to 1 month. Freeze uncovered for 30 minutes to set the frosting, then wrap carefully. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store at room temperature, wrapped in plastic. Make the frosting up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.ng for X days/weeks/months.
The Creamsicle Secret That Changed My Summers Forever
Growing up, every summer afternoon ended the same way—me, barefoot on the porch steps, waiting for the ice cream truck just to grab my favorite orange creamsicle pop. That dreamy blend of citrusy orange and creamy vanilla wasn’t just a treat; it was a moment. Years later, I wanted to capture that same magic—not in a stick, but in a slice.
That’s how this Orange Creamsicle Cake came to life. The secret? Fresh orange zest and juice mixed right into the batter, and a vanilla cream cheese frosting that brings back every sun-soaked memory. It’s more than a dessert—it’s nostalgia you can bake.
FAQ
What is Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe?
Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is a light and fluffy dessert inspired by the classic frozen treat; it combines the tangy flavor of orange with creamy vanilla frosting. It's known for its refreshing, nostalgic taste that’s perfect for summer.
Why is it called Depression Cake?
Depression Cake refers to a type of cake made during the Great Depression, when ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter were scarce. These cakes rely on simple pantry staples—though not all orange creamsicle cakes are made this way.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle McDonald's?
To mimic the McDonald's Orange Creamsicle flavor, blend orange Fanta with soft-serve vanilla ice cream or vanilla shake. It creates a creamy, citrusy drink that tastes just like the original.
Can I Substitute Orange Juice for Water in a Box Cake Mix?
Yes; you can use orange juice instead of water to enhance citrus flavor in a box cake mix. Just note it may slightly change the texture and make the cake sweeter or more tart.
One Slice of Summer You’ll Want Again and Again
This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe transforms the classic frozen treat you loved as a kid into a light, bakery-style dessert that’s perfect for summer get-togethers. The soft, citrusy layers in this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe are made with real orange juice and zest, giving every bite a fresh, nostalgic flavor.
Topped with creamy vanilla frosting, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is both refreshing and indulgent; the kind of dessert that feels fun, familiar, and just a little bit special. Whether you're baking for a party or just craving something sweet, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.The real magic of this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is how it brings people together; it’s the kind of cake that makes everyone smile after just one bite. Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or just a sunny weekend, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is a must-bake.
Craving more sweet inspiration? Try our rich and tender Chocolate Scones Recipe or the ultra-comforting Banana Pudding Recipe; both pair perfectly with your next slice of citrusy cake joy.
Go ahead; give this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe a try, share your pics, rate it below, and let’s bake something unforgettable together!
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Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 2 x 9-inch round cake pans To bake the two cake layers evenly; greased and floured for easy release.
- 1 Electric mixer For creaming butter and mixing frosting; speeds up prep and gives smoother results.
- 2–3 Mixing bowls For wet and dry ingredients; helps keep your prep organized.
- 1 Wire cooling racks Lets the baked layers cool evenly without becoming soggy.
- 1 Offset spatula Spreads frosting smoothly and evenly across the layers.
- 1 Measuring cups & spoons Accurate measurements make all the difference in baking.
- 1 Whisk Used to blend dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt.
Ingredients
For the Orange Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- zest of 2 oranges
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoon heavy cream or as needed for consistency
- orange food coloring optional for visual effect
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and wet ingredients
- Combine dry ingredients and mix with wet
- Divide batter and bake 25–30 minutes
- Cool layers completely
- Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy
- Assemble and chill cake
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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