Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

The Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe is an absolutely delightful treat that perfectly captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic orange creamsicle in cake form. This show-stopping dessert combines zesty oranges, creamy frosting, and a perfectly tender crumb to create a cake that’s bright, refreshing, and irresistibly moist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet citrus escape, this cake offers that perfect blend of tangy and sweet, layered with luscious orange curd and a silky cream cheese frosting. Once you try this Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites for any gathering or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for the Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe is key to capturing its vibrant flavor and texture. Each component is thoughtfully included to enhance the citrus notes, create a tender crumb, and deliver that dreamy, creamy frosting that makes this cake so special.

• Oranges (zest and juice): Freshly zested and juiced oranges provide a bright citrus flavor that’s the heart of this cake.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to balance the tang from the citrus.
• Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice lifts the orange flavors and adds a hint of brightness.
• Egg yolks and whole eggs: These provide richness and structure to the cake batter.
• Salted butter: Cubed and softened for that creamy, tender cake texture.
• Cake flour: The secret to a soft, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure the cake rises beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and citrus zest.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
• Egg whites: Whipped to add lightness and airiness to the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Full fat sour cream: Brings moisture and a subtle tang that complements the citrus perfectly.
• Milk and orange juice: Liquids that help create a smooth batter and intensify the orange flavor.
• For the frosting: Salted butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt come together to create a luscious, velvety finish.
• Optional sliced oranges and extra zest: For garnish and an added burst of citrus elegance.

How to Make Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Orange Curd

Start by preparing a luscious homemade orange curd which adds that iconic citrus creaminess to the cake layers. Follow a reliable orange curd recipe to have a perfectly smooth, tangy curd ready to layer between your cake.

Step 2: Prep Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Properly preparing your cake pans is crucial for an even bake and clean release. Grease each pan thoroughly with shortening, line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds, then grease and flour them. This extra care means your layers will come out perfectly every time!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt, giving you consistent rise and flavor in the cake.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

Take the granulated sugar and rub it together with orange zest until it resembles wet sand; this technique helps release the oils and intensifies the citrus aroma. Next, cream the softened butter with vegetable oil until smooth, then beat in the zested sugar until fluffy. Gradually add egg whites, sour cream, vanilla extract, and incorporate dry ingredients interspersed with milk and orange juice. Mixing gently at the end helps keep the batter light without overworking the flour, preserving that tender crumb.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for about 23 to 27 minutes, rotating halfway for even baking. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out with moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in pans briefly before transferring to racks to cool completely — patience here guarantees flawless cake layers ready for assembly.

Step 6: Whip up the Cream Cheese Orange Frosting

Beat the softened butter and orange zest until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, incorporating freshly squeezed orange juice as needed for a smooth texture. Add vanilla extract, salt, and finally cream cheese to marry the flavors without causing the frosting to weep—resulting in a rich, tangy layer that perfectly complements the zesty cake.

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Spread a generous portion of frosting on the first layer, then pipe a border and fill that center with your homemade orange curd. Stack each layer carefully, chilling intermittently to set the structure and prevent sliding. After crumb coating and chilling, apply the final frosting layer with a cake scraper for a clean finish. Decorate with dollops of frosting and a spoonful of orange curd at the top, chilling before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, slice this stunning Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe and watch delighted smiles appear. The bright orange notes paired with the creamy frosting make every bite a nostalgic celebration of flavor.

How to Serve Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the cake’s fresh citrus appeal by topping it with thinly sliced oranges and a sprinkle of extra orange zest. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also a burst of fragrant orange oils that deepen the flavor experience.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy berry compote that cuts through its sweetness. A simple cup of Earl Grey tea or a citrusy sparkling beverage also complements its bright and creamy profile beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra touch of whimsy, serve individual slices with a drizzle of orange curd and a sprig of fresh mint. Alternatively, cut the cake into mini squares and place them on decorative toothpicks for elegant party bites that showcase the layered beauty of the Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Use plastic wrap pressed gently over the exposed cuts to prevent the frosting and cake from drying out, enjoying it within 3 to 4 days for the best texture and taste.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to keep the frosting intact and the cake moist, making it a great make-ahead option for celebrations.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If desired, slices can sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly and allow the flavors to shine through.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While you can substitute all-purpose flour, cake flour is recommended for a lighter, softer crumb which is ideal in the Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe. If needed, you can lighten all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing with cornstarch.

Is fresh orange juice important for this recipe?

Yes! Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a vibrant, natural citrus flavor that bottled juice can’t match. It really makes the cake and frosting taste bright and fresh.

Can I make the cake dairy-free?

Some ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and sour cream are essential to the cake’s texture and flavor. However, you could experiment with plant-based alternatives, but expect subtle differences in taste and consistency.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Adding the cream cheese last and using chilled ingredients helps prevent weepiness. Also, beating the frosting just until smooth and maintaining the proper powdered sugar to liquid ratio is key for the perfect consistency.

What’s the best way to get even cake layers?

Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between pans, rotate the pans halfway through baking, and cool layers in the pans briefly before turning them out to avoid cracks or domes.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe is a true celebration of bright, creamy, citrusy goodness that never fails to impress. From its fragrant orange zest to the luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s an irresistible dessert that brings joy to any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try — it’s a wonderful way to brighten your day and share a slice of sunshine with your loved ones.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 33 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a delightful, fluffy layered cake bursting with fresh citrus flavors. Featuring a moist orange-infused cake, tangy orange curd between the layers, and a creamy orange cream cheese frosting, this cake perfectly balances sweetness and bright citrus notes. Ideal for celebrations or as a refreshing dessert, it’s layered and frosted to perfection with optional orange slices and zest for garnish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orange Curd

• 2 and 1/2 large oranges, zested (plus zest from remaining half orange for cake)
• 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3 large oranges)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 large whole eggs, at room temperature
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed & at room temperature (85 grams)

Cake Batter

• 3 and 1/2 cups cake flour, spooned & leveled (385 grams)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (14 grams)
• 3/4 tsp baking soda (4.5 grams)
• 3/4 tsp salt (5 grams)
• 4 large oranges, zested
• 2 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar (543 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 2 and 1/2 tbsp salted butter, softened at room temperature (148 grams)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (116 mL)
• 7 large egg whites, at room temperature (266 grams)
• 1 and 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract (19.5 grams)
• 3/4 cup full fat sour cream, at room temperature (180 grams)
• 1 cup milk (240 mL)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature
• Zest of 3 medium oranges
• 5 and 1/2 to 7 cups powdered sugar
• 6 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 20 ounces full fat cream cheese (block style, softened)

Optional Garnish

• Sliced oranges
• Additional orange zest

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Instructions

1. Make the Orange Curd: Prepare the orange curd following the provided recipe with step-by-step photos and thorough directions to ensure a tangy, smooth curd for layering inside the cake.
2. Prep Pans and Oven: Bring all cold ingredients to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans thoroughly with shortening, line bottoms with parchment paper rounds, grease again, and dust with flour. Tap out excess flour to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Prepare Cake Batter: Rub the orange zest into granulated sugar until mixture resembles wet sand. In a large bowl, cream softened butter for about 30 seconds until creamy, then add vegetable oil and beat for 1 minute. Add zested sugar and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy, scraping bowl sides as needed. Beat in egg whites two at a time, then the last one alone, on medium-high speed for 45 seconds for a fluffy mixture. Mix in sour cream and vanilla on medium-low speed until just combined. Alternately add half the dry ingredients with mixer running on low, then milk and orange juice with a few streaks of flour remaining, followed by remaining dry ingredients. Stop mixing when a few flour streaks remain and gently fold in with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
5. Bake the Cake: Evenly divide batter among prepared pans (approximately 685 grams each). Bake for 23-27 minutes, rotating pans halfway through to promote even baking. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes on racks, then invert onto racks to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting: Beat softened butter with orange zest on high speed until creamy (30 seconds to 1 minute). Gradually add powdered sugar in 2-cup increments, mixing between additions until smooth. Add orange juice as needed to adjust consistency. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Finally, add cubed cream cheese and beat until well combined to prevent a weepy texture. Adjust powdered sugar to taste for desired sweetness and firmness.
7. Assemble the Cake: Reserve 1 and 1/4 cups frosting twice into two small bowls for filling between layers. Fill a piping bag with 1/2 cup frosting. Place first cake layer on a turntable cake plate. Spread 1 and 1/4 cups frosting evenly over layer. Pipe a border of frosting and fill center with 1/3 cup chilled orange curd. Add second layer and use excess frosting peeking through to begin crumb coat. Chill 10-15 minutes. Repeat with next layers, adding final layer upside down for flat top; chill again. Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting all over cake and smooth with scraper. Refrigerate 15-20 minutes to set crumb coat. Apply remaining frosting, smoothing top and sides for a finished look. Pipe decorative borders or dollops on top, placing 1/3 cup orange curd in center. Chill at least 30 minutes until set.
8. Serve and Store: Slice and serve chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed over cut portions in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Use toothpicks to keep plastic wrap from touching orange curd or cover with a cake plate lid if available.

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Notes

• Ensure all cold ingredients are at room temperature to help cake batter mix evenly and rise properly.
• Rubbing zest into the sugar releases oils and enhances the orange flavor throughout the cake.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake light and tender.
• Using piping to create a frosting barrier helps contain the orange curd and keeps layers neat.
• The cake can be chilled longer between frosting steps if layers need firmer support.
• Plastic wrap can stick to orange curd; use toothpicks or a lidded cake plate for storage.
• For best texture, use full fat cream cheese and sour cream as stated.
• Optional garnishes such as sliced oranges and additional orange zest elevate the cake’s presentation and flavor.