Imagine biting into a cake that instantly transports you to childhood memories of creamy, refreshing orange creamsicle popsicles on a hot summer day. This Orange Creamsicle Cake is not just a dessert; it's a nostalgic journey wrapped in a moist, zesty, and utterly irresistible package that will have everyone begging for a second slice. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a little slice of heaven, this recipe promises to deliver a burst of citrusy joy in every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter before moving to the next step.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk and orange juice. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the Orange Creamsicle Frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and the vanilla extract to the frosting mixture. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the Orange Creamsicle Frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula or a knife.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with orange zest or slices of fresh orange. Slice and serve the cake to enjoy this delightful Orange Creamsicle Cake!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test - insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add orange juice a teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Zest for Extra Flavor: Fresh orange zest can add an incredible depth of citrus flavor to both the cake and frosting.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
