Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

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A delightful blend of citrus and creamy vanilla, this Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a nostalgic treat. The vibrant orange cake, tangy cream cheese frosting, and dreamy orange glaze come together to create a cake that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar  
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

For the Orange Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.  
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and orange zest. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  
  6. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.  

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Cream ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Beat until light and fluffy.

Make the Orange Glaze:

  1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice as needed.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Frost and glaze: Once the cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost the top. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Drizzle the orange glaze over the top of the cake.

Serve:

Serve the cake immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • For a more intense orange flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought.
  • To make the cake extra moist, you can brush the cooled cake layers with a simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.  

Enjoy this delicious and refreshing cake!

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