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Delicious Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is a delightful, nostalgic dessert that combines the bright, citrusy flavor of oranges with the creamy richness of vanilla. With a fluffy, moist cake and a tangy orange frosting, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) orange cake mix
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
  • Zest of 1 orange

For the Frosting:

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

Optional Garnish:

  • Orange slices
  • Orange zest
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  • Prepare the Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  • Make the Cake:
    • In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until well combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
    • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
    • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  • Make the Frosting:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
    • Gradually add the powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Continue to beat until smooth and fluffy.
    • If desired, add a few drops of orange food coloring to give the frosting a vibrant color.
  • Assemble the Cake:
    • Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
    • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  • Serve:
    • Garnish with orange slices or additional orange zest if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for easier slicing. Enjoy with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • For a more intense orange flavor, add more orange zest to both the cake and frosting.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute the cake mix with homemade orange cake for a more from-scratch approach.

Keywords: Orange Dreamsicle Cake, orange cake recipe, citrus dessert, orange cream cake, dreamsicle cake, easy cake recipes, orange frosting cake