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Orange Creamsicle Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

This creamsicle cake is summer nostalgia! Takes about 90 minutes total. The orange flavor comes through perfect while mascarpone frosting adds amazing richness. Used fresh zest and good vanilla - makes difference. Made it for pool party and everyone wanted recipe. Perfect when you're craving that ice cream truck taste.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:26:36 GMT
A slice of moist yellow cake with layers of cream and topped with orange slices. Pin it
A slice of moist yellow cake with layers of cream and topped with orange slices. | lastminrecipes.com

This orange creamsicle cake brings summer memories right into your kitchen. The sweet orange flavor mixed with creamy vanilla reminds me of those frozen treats we loved as kids but in a gorgeous cake form. Every time I make it the whole house fills with the most amazing citrus aroma.

What Makes This Cake Special

You'll love how this cake captures that perfect balance of refreshing orange and smooth vanilla flavors. Make it as a sheet cake for picnics layer it up for birthdays or turn it into cute little cupcakes. The steps are simple enough that anyone can create this showstopper.

Everything You Need

For the cake gather your cake flour sugar salt baking powder and soda. The magic comes from orange juice concentrate fresh orange zest and a splash of extract. Soft butter eggs warm milk and a touch of oil keep everything moist. The frosting is pure luxury mascarpone cheese whipped cream vanilla and powdered sugar come together for the creamiest topping.

Let's Bake

Start by mixing all your dry ingredients in your mixer. Slowly add the wet ingredients until your batter is silky smooth. A tiny bit of food coloring gives it that perfect creamsicle look. Pour it into your pan and bake at 335℉ until it springs back when touched. While it cools whip up that dreamy mascarpone frosting then spread it all over your cooled cake. Add some fresh orange slices on top and chill until you're ready to serve.

Baking Secrets

Always use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter. Cake flour makes all the difference in texture so try not to substitute. Don't skip the orange zest it adds such bright fresh flavor that you just can't get from extract alone.

Make It Your Own

Keep this orange creamsicle cake in the fridge it stays fresh for about 5 days. Try making it as a poke cake by adding orange jello or swap the mascarpone frosting for whipped cream if you want something lighter.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This sunny cake brightens up summer parties backyard gatherings and birthday celebrations. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or orange sorbet on the side for an extra special dessert that'll have everyone reaching for seconds.

A slice of layered cake topped with whipped cream and orange slices, with whole oranges in the background. Pin it
A slice of layered cake topped with whipped cream and orange slices, with whole oranges in the background. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients create a smooth, cohesive batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle, leading to a collapsed cake.
→ Can I substitute regular flour for cake flour?
Cake flour is essential for this recipe. Using all-purpose flour with cornstarch won't work and will result in a cornbread-like texture. Pastry flour is the best substitute if cake flour isn't available.
→ How should I store this cake?
Store the cake in the refrigerator due to the mascarpone frosting. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Serve within 2 hours when at room temperature.
→ Why weigh the ingredients?
Weighing ingredients gives the most consistent results in baking. Using a kitchen scale ensures the proper ratio of ingredients every time.
→ Can I use a different frosting?
Stabilized whipped cream makes a great alternative to the mascarpone frosting. It's lighter but still complements the orange cake perfectly.

Orange Creamsicle Cake

A nostalgic cake that captures the flavor of orange creamsicle ice cream bars, featuring real orange juice, zest and creamy mascarpone frosting.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 9x13 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 10 ounces cake flour.
02 10 ounces granulated sugar.
03 1/2 teaspoon salt.
04 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
05 1 teaspoon baking soda.
06 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional).
07 6 ounces unsalted butter, softened.
08 7 ounces orange juice concentrate, defrosted.
09 4 ounces milk, warmed.
10 4 large eggs, room temperature.
11 2 teaspoons orange extract.
12 1 orange zest.
13 2 ounces vegetable oil.
14 1-2 drops yellow food coloring.
15 1 drop orange food coloring.
16 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened.
17 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
18 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar.
19 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 335℉. Prepare 9x13 inch pan with cake goop and parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine cake flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in stand mixer bowl.

Step 03

Whisk together milk, orange juice concentrate, oil, eggs, extracts, and zest.

Step 04

Mix butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse sand.

Step 05

Add 1/3 wet ingredients, mix one minute. Add food coloring and citric acid. Add remaining liquid, mix until combined.

Step 06

Pour batter in pan, bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Step 07

Cool cake 10 minutes in pan, then remove to cooling rack.

Step 08

Mix mascarpone, vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth. Whip cream separately to medium-stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.

Step 09

Frost cooled cake, decorate with orange slices and piped frosting designs.

Notes

  1. Must use cake flour for proper texture.
  2. All ingredients should be room temperature.
  3. Cake must be refrigerated due to mascarpone frosting.
  4. Can be made in two 8-inch round pans instead.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch cake pan.
  • Stand mixer.
  • Kitchen scale.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1097
  • Total Fat: 73 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 97 g
  • Protein: 15 g