Orange Creamsicle Cake

Bright citrus flavor with a dreamy vanilla cream finish

If you love the nostalgic flavor of an orange creamsicle popsicle, this Orange Creamsicle Cake brings that same sweet, creamy citrus combination into a soft, fluffy layer cake. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for spring, summer, birthdays, or potlucks.

Think fresh orange zest, soft vanilla cake, and silky orange-vanilla frosting in every bite.

🍊 Why You’ll Love This Cake

Light and fluffy texture
Real orange flavor (no artificial taste)
Creamy vanilla-orange frosting
Beautiful for celebrations
Can be made as a sheet cake or layer cake

🛒 Ingredients

For the Orange Cake

2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300g) sugar
4 large eggs
Zest of 2 oranges
½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Creamsicle Frosting

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

4️⃣ Add Flavor

Mix in orange zest, orange juice, milk, and vanilla.

5️⃣ Combine

Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Do not overmix.

6️⃣ Bake

Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting.

🍦 Make the Creamsicle Frosting

Beat butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in orange juice, zest, vanilla, and cream until light and fluffy.

🎂 Assemble

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread frosting evenly.
Top with second layer and frost entire cake.

Optional garnish:

Extra orange zest
Candied orange slices
White chocolate shavings

💡 Tips for the Best Flavor

✔ Use fresh orange juice (not bottled)
✔ Rub zest into sugar before mixing for stronger aroma
✔ Chill cake 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts

🌿 Variations

Creamsicle Poke Cake

Poke holes in baked cake and pour orange gelatin mixture over before frosting.

Lighter Version

Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt in the batter.

Cupcake Version

Bake 18–20 minutes for 24 cupcakes.

Cream Cheese Frosting Option

Replace half the butter with cream cheese for tangier flavor.

📦 Storage

Room temperature: 1 day (covered)
Refrigerator: up to 4 days
Freezer (unfrosted layers): 2 months

🔢 Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice – 12 slices)

Calories: 420
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 5g

💛 Final Thoughts

Orange Creamsicle Cake is sunshine in dessert form — sweet, creamy, citrusy, and incredibly satisfying. It captures that classic orange-and-vanilla combination in a soft homemade cake that feels both nostalgic and elegant.