This Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe is a light and fluffy cake with a tangy orange flavor and a creamy vanilla frosting. It’s the perfect summer dessert.
Hello there, my friend 👋! Summer is here! Do you want to taste the best summer flavor in a cake? This orange creamsicle cake is just that!
It’s sweet, tangy, and refreshing.
Let’s get baking!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Two large mixing bowls.
- Several smaller mixing bowls.
- A whisk.
- Round cake pans (9 inch or 8 inch).
- A hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Oven mitts.
- Spatula
- Wire racks.
- Serving plates
The Recipe
Orange Dreamsicle Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the orange juice to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Blend until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Divide the batter between your prepared 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 15-20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble and frost the cake:
- Level the tops of the cakes if needed for a flat stacking surface.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a layer of frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with a generous layer of frosting.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- For an extra burst of orange flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract to the frosting.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| All-purpose flour | Cake flour, whole-wheat flour |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce salt in recipe), shortening, vegan butter substitute |
| Orange juice | Mandarin juice, lemonade |
| Granulated sugar | Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup |
What to Serve with Orange Dreamsicle Cake
This refreshing summer cake is delicious all on its own, but try pairing it with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Whipped cream.
- Fresh berries.
- A tall glass of iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Prepare the cake layers and frosting a day in advance. Store the cake layers wrapped in plastic at room temperature, and store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long can I store leftover orange creamsicle cake?
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why did my cake turn out dry?
Overbaking or overmixing can lead to a dry cake. Check for doneness with a toothpick at the minimum bake time and be sure not to overmix the batter.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
