Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh orange juice provides brighter flavor and better texture. If using bottled, choose 100% juice without added sugar.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should also spring back lightly when touched.

Can I make this as cupcakes instead?

Absolutely! Divide batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F. Reduce frosting recipe by half.

Why is my frosting too sweet?

The cream cheese helps balance sweetness, but you can add a pinch more salt or a teaspoon of lemon juice to cut the sweetness.

Can I freeze the finished cake?

It's better to freeze unfrosted layers. Cream cheese frosting can become grainy when frozen, though it's still edible.

How can I make the orange flavor stronger?

Add an extra tablespoon of orange zest or replace some orange juice with orange extract (start with 1 teaspoon).

Best Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe That Tastes Like Summer

Name: Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup buttermilk; ¾ cup fresh orange juice; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; Pinch of salt; Orange zest for garnish; Orange slices

Description

This soft, citrus-kissed orange cake is layered with a light vanilla cream frosting for a perfectly balanced dessert. Bright, tender crumb meets rich, creamy frosting, ideal for celebrations or anytime you want something fresh and elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Orange Cake:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk
¾ cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the Vanilla Cream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons heavy cream
Pinch of salt

For Decoration:

Orange zest for garnish
Orange slices (optional)

Substitution Options:

Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and coconut cream, plus dairy-free cream cheese
Lower sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 1½ cups and use sugar-free powdered sweetener in frosting

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Instructions

Prepare Pans and Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest.
Combine Batter
Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
Bake
Divide batter between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Assemble
Frost between layers, then frost top and sides. Garnish with orange zest.

Prep Time: 20m
Cook Time: 25m
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12 servings
Calories: 520 calories