Orange Creamsicle Cake

I’ll admit it—I’ve spent way too much time chasing childhood nostalgia in dessert form. But nothing, and I mean nothing, hits like this Orange Creamsicle Cake. It’s like summer in a slice: bright citrus, creamy vanilla, and a texture so fluffy you’ll question every life choice that led you to boxed cake mixes.

If you’ve ever wanted to eat sunshine (legally), this is your golden ticket. Bonus? It’s stupidly easy to make.

No fancy skills required—just a love for all things nostalgic and delicious.

Remember those orange creamsicle popsicles you’d race to get from the ice cream truck? This cake is their grown-up, sophisticated cousin—minus the sticky hands. The magic is in the balance: tangy orange zest cuts through the rich vanilla cream, and the crumb is so moist it practically melts.

It’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask, “Wait, you made this?” while secretly hoping you’ll bring it to every gathering for the rest of time.

Ingredients

Grab your grocery list—we’re keeping things simple but mighty. The only “weird” item might be orange extract (worth it, trust me), but fresh oranges work too. Pro tip: Use room-temperature eggs.

Cold ones are like that one friend who ruins group photos by blinking.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs (room temp, please)
1 cup whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp orange zest (about 2 oranges)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange extract (or sub 1 tbsp fresh OJ)
1½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan like you’re protecting it from a snowstorm—no sticking allowed.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes.
If your arm hurts, you’re doing it right (or your mixer’s dead).
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and orange extract. The batter should smell like a tropical vacation.
Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl. No one wants a surprise pocket of baking powder.
Fold them into the wet mix gently—overmixing is the enemy of fluff.
Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean, unless you hit a chocolate chip (wrong recipe, friend).
Let it cool completely. I know, the wait is brutal.
Distract yourself by licking the bowl.

Storage Instructions

This cake is a diva—it hates humidity. Store it in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap + foil; they’ll last 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then pretend you just baked it. No one will know.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Creamsicle Cake

Nostalgia bomb: Instant time machine to simpler summers.
Low-effort, high-reward: Easier than explaining TikTok to your grandma.
Crowd-pleaser: Works for birthdays, potlucks, or “I survived Monday” celebrations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold eggs. They’ll sabotage your fluff. Plan ahead.
Overbaking. Dry cake = edible punishment.
Set a timer.
Skimping on zest. This is where the flavor lives. Channel your inner citrus artist.

Alternatives and Variations

Vegan? Swap eggs for flax eggs and butter for coconut oil.

Gluten-free? A 1:1 GF flour blend works. For a boozy twist, add a splash of Grand Marnier to the batter.

Want cupcakes? Bake for 18–20 minutes instead. The world (and this cake) is your oyster.

FAQs

Can I freeze this Orange Creamsicle Cake?

Absolutely!

Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months. Just thaw it slowly in the fridge to avoid texture tantrums.

What’s the best substitute for orange extract?

Fresh orange juice + extra zest works, but the extract packs a punch. IMO, it’s worth the $5.

How long does it stay fresh?

2 days at room temp, 5 days refrigerated.

But let’s be real—it’ll vanish faster than your willpower near a cookie jar.

Is this kid-friendly?

Uh, have you met kids? They’ll inhale it. Bonus: no food dye or weird additives.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes!

Bake the cake 1–2 days early, then frost day-of. Or lean into laziness and serve it naked—still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is the dessert equivalent of a happy childhood memory—simple, sweet, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re craving nostalgia or just a dang good cake, this recipe delivers.

Tag me when you make it (or don’t, I’ll just assume you ate it all in one sitting). Now go forth and bake!