Orange Creamsicle Cake

Name: Orange Creamsicle Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1⅓ cups granulated sugar; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups fresh orange juice; 4 large egg yolks; ½ cup salted butter; 2 cups sour cream; For frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar; 8 large egg whites; 4 cups unsalted butter

Recipe By:

Alexandra

Posted:

June 30, 2025

Updated:

June 30, 2025

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This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful blend of moist layers infused with vibrant orange and smooth vanilla flavors. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake brings back the nostalgia of childhood creamsicles in a deliciously unique way. Its eye-catching appearance and rich taste make it an ideal centerpiece for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and vanilla creates a delightful citrusy taste that captures the essence of summer.
Moist Texture: Thanks to the sour cream and butter, each slice is tender and moist, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Versatile Occasion: This cake fits perfectly for celebrations like birthdays or holidays, making it a great choice for any event.
Easy to Customize: Add your twist with optional food coloring or different toppings to personalize it for any gathering.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this dessert, making it a hit at family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake, you need some essential tools that help simplify the process. Having the right equipment ensures that your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, helping you achieve consistent results every time.
Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding batter gently without deflating it, maintaining that airy quality in your cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

1⅓ cups granulated sugar (266g)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (30g)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups fresh orange juice (strained from about 3 large oranges) (480ml)
4 large egg yolks
¼ cup cold salted butter (cubed) (56g)
4½ cups all-purpose flour (540g)
1 tablespoon plus 3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
⅔ cup salted butter (152g)
⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
2 tablespoons grated orange zest (about 3 large oranges)

For the Frosting

3 cups granulated sugar (600g)
6 large eggs
2 cups fresh orange juice (strained) (480ml)
⅔ cup water (160ml)
8 large egg whites
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups unsalted butter (softened and cut into 1-inch pieces) (908g)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 to 6 drops orange food coloring (optional)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. You can also line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, egg yolks, cubed salted butter, grated orange zest, sour cream, and water until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter equally among prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While layers are cooling, prepare your frosting by beating softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Then incorporate egg whites one at a time until fluffy. Finish with vanilla extract.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting generously on top before adding the second layer. Frost sides and top of the cake as desired.

Step 8: Garnish

Finish off with chopped parsley if desired or additional decorations like sprinkles or more grated orange zest!

Enjoy your homemade Orange Creamsicle Cake!

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake

Serving Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful experience that brings back childhood memories. This cake can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings or just a special treat at home.

Classic Slice

Freshly Sliced: Serve slices of the cake on their own, allowing guests to enjoy the moist texture and vibrant flavors.

With Whipped Cream

Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for an extra creamy touch that complements the orange flavor.

Ice Cream Pairing

With Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast that enhances the creamsicle taste.

Fruit Garnish

Citrus Fruit Garnish: Decorate your plate with slices of fresh oranges or mandarins for a refreshing touch and added color.

Festive Sprinkles

Colorful Sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of colorful jimmies or edible glitter on top for birthdays or celebrations to make it even more festive.

Layered Parfait

In a Parfait: Crumble pieces of the cake into glasses, layer with whipped cream and fruit for an appealing dessert parfait.

How to Perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake

To achieve the best results with your Orange Creamsicle Cake, consider these helpful tips:

bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh oranges for juice and zest to ensure the most vibrant flavor.
bold Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to get the right texture.
bold Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a light and airy batter.
bold Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid tough cake. Overmixing can lead to density.
bold Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Creamsicle Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Creamsicle Cake can enhance its enjoyment. Here are some delightful suggestions:

bold Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with mixed greens, slices of oranges, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the cake.
bold Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy option that complements the sweetness of the cake.
bold Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse provides a decadent contrast to the lightness of the cake.
bold Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add texture and balance out the citrus flavors nicely.
bold Berry Compote: A warm berry compote served alongside adds tartness that complements the sweet cake.
bold Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and enhances the orange flavors in the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an Orange Creamsicle Cake, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using Old Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your ingredients, especially baking powder and flour. Expired items can impact the cake’s rise and flavor.
Not Measuring Accurately: Baking is a science. Use kitchen scales and measuring cups to ensure you’re adding the correct amounts of flour, sugar, and liquids. Improper measurements can lead to a dense or dry cake.
Skipping the Zest: Grated orange zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your Orange Creamsicle Cake significantly.
Overmixing Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cake. Combine ingredients until just blended to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly before baking. An incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking or a flat cake.
Underestimating Cooling Time: Allow your cake layers to cool fully before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures better frosting adherence.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store the Orange Creamsicle Cake in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
For best texture, keep it covered with plastic wrap or foil.

Freezing Orange Creamsicle Cake

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy.

Reheating Orange Creamsicle Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power until warm.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Orange Creamsicle Cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding more grated orange zest or using fresh orange juice instead of bottled juice. This will boost the citrus notes in your cake.

Can I use another flavor instead of orange?

Yes! You can substitute orange juice with lemon or lime juice for a different citrus twist. Just adjust the amount of zest accordingly to match the new flavor profile.

What is the best way to frost an Orange Creamsicle Cake?

For a delightful finish, use Italian buttercream or cream cheese frosting flavored with vanilla and orange zest. This complements the cake flavors beautifully.

How long does it take to bake an Orange Creamsicle Cake?

The typical baking time is about 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different flavors or toppings according to your preferences. Whether you serve it at parties or enjoy it as a simple dessert at home, it’s sure to be a hit! Give this recipe a try, and savor every bite of nostalgia!