Orange Creamsicle Cake

Recipe: Orange Creamsicle Cake

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Serves: 12

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

For the Orange Creamsicle Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Orange food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in the orange zest and fresh orange juice until well combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Orange Creamsicle Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. If desired, add orange food coloring to achieve the desired shade.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of the Orange Creamsicle Frosting over the top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
4. Optional: Garnish with additional orange zest or orange slices.
5. Slice and serve your delicious Orange Creamsicle Cake!

Note: For a lighter version, you can substitute some or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce in the cake recipe.

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is a delightful and citrusy treat that captures the flavors of the classic creamsicle. Enjoy the bright and refreshing taste with every bite!