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Moist Orange Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Orange Frosting

A tall slice of Amazing Creamsicle Cake showing three layers of bright orange cake and white cream cheese frosting.
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This recipe delivers a moist orange layer cake with a creamy vanilla orange frosting, capturing the nostalgic flavor of a classic Creamsicle dessert. It is simple to make and perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange extract (optional, for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Stir in the orange zest by hand.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the 1/2 cup of softened butter until creamy.
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the orange juice, beating until smooth.
  11. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange extract, if using, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  12. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top.
  13. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Notes

  • For an extra burst of orange flavor, you can use orange-flavored gelatin in the cake batter, following package directions for liquid substitution.
  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to help the creamy frosting set firmly.
  • You can decorate the top with thin slices of fresh orange or orange zest curls.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/creamsicle-cake-moist-orange-layer-recipe/