Description

Bright, sunny, and full of nostalgic flavor, this Orange Creamsicle Cake tastes just like your favorite ice cream truck treat only in soft, tender cake form. Layers of moist orange cake are stacked with fluffy orange cream cheese frosting for the perfect balance of citrus and vanilla. It’s a show-stopping yet easy dessert for birthdays, holidays, and any time you’re craving something fun and dreamy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:
1 box orange cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup orange soda or orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
For the Orange Cream Frosting:
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons orange zest (optional but highly recommended)
A few drops orange extract or orange food coloring (optional, for stronger flavor/color)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier release.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, orange soda or orange juice, vegetable oil, and eggs.
Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the cakes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
While the cakes cool, make the orange cream frosting. In a clean, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using). Beat until thick, smooth, and fluffy.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two to three additions, using a spatula and light motions, until the frosting is light, airy, and fully combined. If desired, fold in a few drops of orange extract or orange food coloring for extra flavor and color.
Once the cake layers are completely cool, use a long serrated knife to carefully slice each layer in half horizontally to create 4 thin layers.
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of orange cream frosting over the top, going all the way to the edges.
Repeat with the remaining cake layers, stacking them and spreading frosting between each layer.
Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out or create rustic swirls, and pipe decorative swirls on top if desired.
Chill the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the frosting set and makes for cleaner slices and the best creamsicle flavor and texture.

Notes

Using orange soda gives a sweeter, more intense orange flavor, while orange juice offers a more natural citrus note both work beautifully.
For the smoothest frosting, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before beating so you don’t get lumps.
Chilling the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream helps it whip faster and hold its shape better in the frosting.
A long serrated knife is best for splitting the cake layers evenly; take your time and rotate the cake as you cut.
This cake tastes even better after it chills, as the orange and vanilla flavors meld into that classic creamsicle profile.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of cake)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 38 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: orange creamsicle cake, orange cream cheese frosting, layered orange cake, creamsicle layer cake, summer birthday cake