Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe combines vibrant orange flavors with creamy frosting to create a delightful, nostalgic dessert reminiscent of the classic creamsicle treat. Moist and tender orange cake layers are topped with a luscious orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or an indulgent everyday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box orange cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure the cake layers release easily after baking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the orange cake mix with sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour Batter: Evenly distribute the batter into the two prepared cake pans to ensure even baking.
- Bake Cake Layers: Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess and preparing them for frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Flavor Frosting: Mix in orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest to infuse the frosting with fresh citrus flavor.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle extra orange zest over the cake for a bright, decorative finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy this creamy and citrusy dessert.
Notes
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- For an extra citrus punch, consider adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the frosting.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- The cake mix base allows for a quick and easy preparation while delivering moist texture.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
