Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a bright, zesty dessert that combines the refreshing flavors of orange and vanilla. With its moist cake layers and creamy frosting, it tastes just like the classic frozen treat! Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion that needs a pop of citrusy sweetness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- Orange food coloring (optional)
For Decoration:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Orange slices or zest (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, eggs, and buttermilk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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.
Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Adjust the consistency with more juice (if too thick) or powdered sugar (if too thin).
- If desired, add a drop or two of orange food coloring to enhance the color.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate with whipped cream, orange slices, or additional orange zest, if desired.
Notes
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, add ½ tsp orange extract to the frosting.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.