Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of cake that tastes like a creamy, dreamy orange creamsicle – that’s exactly what this Orange Dreamsicle Cake delivers. With a moist, tender crumb and a luscious frosting that melts in your mouth, this recipe is a true delight for the senses.
Growing up, the beloved orange creamsicle was a summer staple, offering a refreshing burst of citrus and sweet creaminess. Now, we’ve captured that nostalgic flavor in a showstopping cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties. Get ready to be the star of the dessert table with this irresistible creation.
Not only does this cake taste amazing, but it’s also a breeze to make. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a beautifully layered, frosted masterpiece ready to wow your loved ones. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create this delectable Orange Dreamsicle Cake that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?
What sets this Orange Dreamsicle Cake apart is the perfect balance of bright, citrusy orange and creamy, dreamy vanilla. The cake itself is moist and tender, with a fine crumb that melts in your mouth. And the frosting? Oh, the frosting – it’s a silky, smooth buttercream that’s infused with a hint of orange zest, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
But the real magic happens when you take that first forkful. The interplay of the light, fluffy cake and the rich, creamy frosting is simply divine. It’s a texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more, and the orange flavor provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness, preventing the cake from being cloying or overpowering.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 oranges
The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a touch of salt creates the perfect light and tender crumb for this cake. The butter and sugar work together to provide structure and richness, while the eggs add moisture and binding power. The milk helps to keep the cake moist, and the vanilla extract and orange zest are the star players, infusing the batter with that irresistible orange creamsicle flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. In a measuring cup, combine the milk and vanilla extract. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Fold in the orange zest until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake: 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. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides as needed. Beat in the orange zest and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the orange buttercream frosting over the top. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, creating smooth, even coverage.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. When ready to serve, cut into slices and enjoy the delightful flavors of orange and vanilla!
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 12 servings.
• Protein: 5 g
• Sodium: 205 mg
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
🔄 Creative Twists & Variations
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk, and the eggs with a vegan egg substitute like flax or chia seeds. Adjust the liquid ratios as needed.
• To Add a Citrus Kick: Enhance the orange flavor by adding a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice to the cake batter and the frosting. You can also garnish the cake with candied orange slices or a drizzle of orange curd for an extra burst of citrus.
🍽️ Plating and Presentation Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the top of the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh orange slices, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds for a lovely textural contrast.
• Beverage Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a refreshing glass of sparkling lemonade or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
❗ Pro Tips for a Perfect Outcome Every Time
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure all the ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature before beginning. This helps them incorporate smoothly and results in a more tender crumb.
• Mistake 3 – Not Properly Greasing and Flouring the Pans: Take the time to thoroughly grease and flour the cake pans to prevent the cakes from sticking. This will make them much easier to remove and assemble.
❄️ Preserve Your Creation: Storage Tips
• Freezing: The cake layers can be frozen individually, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting the cake.
• Reheating: To serve the chilled cake at room temperature, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. The frosting will soften to its perfect, creamy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different type of citrus instead of orange?
Absolutely! While the orange flavor is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute lemon or lime zest and juice for a different citrus twist. Just keep the overall ratios and quantities the same.
How can I make the cake extra moist?
For an extra moist cake, try replacing 1/4 cup of the milk with an equal amount of freshly squeezed orange juice. The additional liquid and natural sweetness from the juice will result in a wonderfully tender crumb.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this cake in advance. The unfrosted cake layers can be baked, wrapped tightly, and frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the layers in the refrigerator, then assemble and frost the cake.
How do I get a smooth, professional-looking frosting?
The key to a silky smooth frosting is to ensure the butter is at the perfect temperature – not too warm, not too cold. Beat the butter on its own until light and fluffy before gradually adding the powdered sugar. Scrape down the sides often and be patient; the frosting will become beautifully smooth with a bit of elbow grease.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While the orange buttercream frosting is a classic pairing, you can experiment with other frostings that complement the citrus flavors. A cream cheese frosting or an orange-scented whipped cream would both be delicious alternatives.
✍️ A Final Word from Our Kitchen
This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a true showstopper – a decadent, creamy, and citrusy delight that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a special event or simply indulging in a slice at home, this recipe is guaranteed to transport you back to the carefree days of summer, when the refreshing taste of an orange creamsicle was the ultimate treat.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a slice of heaven. This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a surefire way to bring a little sunshine and happiness to any occasion. Bon appétit!
Hearty Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. In a measuring cup, combine the milk and vanilla extract. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Fold in the orange zest until evenly distributed.
- 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. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides as needed. Beat in the orange zest and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake layers are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the orange buttercream frosting over the top. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, creating smooth, even coverage.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. When ready to serve, cut into slices and enjoy the delightful flavors of orange and vanilla!
