This cake brings the nostalgic flavors of an orange creamsicle to life with its vibrant citrus notes and creamy texture. With a tender orange-flavored cake base, luscious orange cream filling, and a tangy orange cream cheese frosting, it’s the ultimate dessert for citrus lovers. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, this cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
The reverse creaming method ensures a soft, moist crumb, while the bold orange flavor in every layer is sure to impress. The swirl of orange-tinted frosting adds a whimsical and elegant finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Bold Citrus Flavor: The orange juice concentrate, zest, and extract create a rich, authentic orange flavor.
• Creamy Filling: The orange cream filling adds a light, mousse-like texture.
• Perfect for Decorating: The cream cheese frosting is smooth and stable, ideal for creative piping.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups (285g) cake flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) sugar
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons (12g) baking powder
• 1 ½ sticks (12 T) (169g) unsalted butter, slightly softened
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup (190g) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• ½ cup (121g) milk
• 1 tablespoon (10g) orange extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• Orange coloring gel (optional)
For the Orange Cream Filling:
• 1 small box (3.4oz/96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups (464g) heavy cream or whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon (4g) orange extract
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 2 sticks (1 cup) (226g) unsalted butter, slightly softened
• 2 (8oz) packages (452g) full-fat cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon (4g) clear vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon (4g) orange extract
• ½ teaspoon (2g) salt (optional)
• 6 to 6 ½ cups (690g to 747g) powdered sugar
• Orange coloring gel (optional)
Instructions
For the Cake:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round pans.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the mixer bowl, combine cake flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix for 30 seconds.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, orange juice concentrate, milk, orange extract, and zest.
4. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add butter slices to the dry ingredients, mixing on low. Increase speed to medium and mix until crumbly.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly add half the egg mixture, mixing on medium for 1½ minutes. Scrape the bowl, then add the remaining egg mixture in two parts, mixing for 20 seconds after each addition.
6. Optional Coloring: Add orange gel coloring for a vibrant hue.
7. Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
For the Orange Cream Filling:
1. Mix Ingredients: Combine pudding mix, heavy cream, and orange extract.
2. Whisk or Beat: Use a whisk or mixer on low, then high speed, until thickened. Refrigerate until needed.
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: Beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese in pieces and mix until incorporated.
2. Add Flavoring: Mix in vanilla and orange extracts.
3. Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low. Beat until fluffy but do not overmix.
Assembly:
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of orange cream filling.
2. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with orange cream cheese frosting.
3. Optional: Use orange-tinted frosting for swirls or piping details.
Tips:
• Softening Butter and Cream Cheese: Avoid over-softening for better texture.
• Chill Before Serving: This cake tastes best chilled, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Make-Ahead Options: The cake layers, filling, and frosting can be prepared a day in advance and assembled later.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
This Orange Dreamsicle Cake is the perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and sweet, making it a showstopper at any event!
