Description
This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful and moist treat combining the citrusy flavor of orange with a creamy, luscious frosting. Made with a boxed orange cake mix enhanced with orange juice, zest, and vanilla, this cake perfectly captures the nostalgic taste of the classic creamsicle. Topped with a smooth cream cheese and butter frosting infused with orange, it’s a refreshing and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
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 prevent the cakes from sticking.
- 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. Stir well until the batter is smooth and thoroughly mixed.
- Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, ensuring an even layer in each pan for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which prevents the frosting from melting.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the base of the frosting.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fully combined.
- Flavor Frosting: Mix in the orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest to infuse the frosting with bright, citrus flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle additional orange zest on top of the frosting for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 10-12 servings, serve, and enjoy this delicious creamy orange dessert.
Notes
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute fresh orange juice or concentrate for a more intense orange flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For added texture, consider folding in some finely chopped nuts or orange segments into the batter.
