Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe That Tastes Like Summer

Cool summer memories dance through this nostalgic orange dreamsicle cake that whispers sweet childhood promises.

Memories of creamy popsicles melting on hot sidewalks inspired this delightful dessert.

Tangy citrus notes blend perfectly with smooth vanilla undertones.

Each slice carries a burst of refreshing orange zest that tingles your senses.

Lightweight and airy, the cake promises a delectable journey into pure comfort.

Soft layers melt like sunshine on your tongue, promising pure bliss.

Trust you’ll fall in love with this creamy, dreamy sensation that brings joy to every bite.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake That Tastes Like Summer

• Relive childhood memories with this dreamy orange creamsicle-inspired cake that captures the classic popsicle taste in every delightful bite.
• Whip up this impressive dessert in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master confidently.
• Delight both kids and adults with a dessert that combines the bright, citrusy tang of oranges and the creamy sweetness of a classic treat everyone loves.
• Create a showstopping dessert ideal for birthdays, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a special, mood-lifting sweet treat that brings instant smiles.

Ingredients for a Zesty Orange Cream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour, Cake Flour: Soft, fine texture provides the cake's delicate structure and tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Sugar: Classic creaming combination creates a rich, sweet cake base with smooth texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind ingredients together.
• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Bright, fresh citrus flavor that defines the dreamsicle profile.
• Vanilla Extract, Orange Extract: Adds depth and intensifies the orange flavor.

• Buttermilk: Tangy dairy ingredient that tenderizes the cake and adds subtle richness.

Instructions for an Orange-Inspired Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans or line with prehment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk ingredients thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Orange zest
• Orange juice
• Vanilla extract
• Orange extract

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fill Cake Pans

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

Tips for Getting That Citrus-Vanilla Combo Right

• Zest Like a Pro: Grate orange zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, using only the bright orange outer layer for maximum flavor intensity.
• Buttermilk Brilliance: No buttermilk on hand? Quickly make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises perfectly.
• Prevent Cake Sticking: Use parchment paper circles or grease pans thoroughly with butter and flour to guarantee easy cake removal without breaking.
• Extract Enhancement: For a more pronounced orange flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the batter or brushing the cooled cake layers with orange simple syrup.

Keep Dreamsicle Cake Fresh for Days

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best results, use low power to prevent drying out the cake.

Pairing Dreamsicle Cake with Light Bites

• Mix vodka, fresh orange juice, and a splash of triple sec for a vibrant drink that echoes the cake's bright citrus notes.
• Serve a scoop alongside the cake to enhance the dreamy, creamy vanilla undertones and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Sprinkle delicate, sugared orange strips on top of the cake to intensify the citrusy flavor and add a gourmet touch.
• Top the cake with a dollop of fresh, airy whipped cream to soften the cake's intense orange flavor and provide a silky contrast.

Ways to Customize Your Orange Cake

• Gluten-Free Orange Dreamsicle: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing rice flour and xanthan gum. Maintain the same measurement ratios for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Orange Dream Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use plant-based vanilla extract to keep the creamy orange flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Orange Sensation: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's moisture and texture using sugar-free orange marmalade as a flavor enhancer.
• Dairy-Free Citrus Delight: Replace buttermilk with coconut yogurt or dairy-free milk mixed with lemon juice. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to create a creamy, tangy cake suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Dreamsicle Cake Quick Questions

• Is orange zest necessary for this recipe?

Orange zest adds intense citrus flavor and brightness to the cake. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can skip it, but the cake will have less pronounced orange taste.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk provides tanginess and helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• What does orange extract do in this recipe?

Orange extract intensifies the orange flavor, making the cake taste more vibrant and citrusy. If you don’t have it, you can omit it without significantly affecting the cake’s overall taste.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Orange Dreamsicle Cake blends creamy vanilla and zesty citrus in a delightful dessert that whisks taste buds to sunny memories. Creamy layers meld perfectly, promising a refreshing slice of pure summer joy you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon orange extract
• 12 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Orange zest
• Thin orange slices or wedges
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing cake pans with a protective coating of grease and flour or parchment paper.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – in a medium mixing vessel, whisking until uniformly blended.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a light, airy mixture through vigorous creaming, continuing until the texture becomes soft and voluminous.
4. Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Incorporate vibrant orange zest, fresh orange juice, classic vanilla extract, and optional orange extract, mixing until harmoniously combined.
5. Carefully fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk in three progressive additions. Gently mix until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
6. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, using a spatula to create smooth, level surfaces.
7. Position pans in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a perfectly golden finish and checking doneness with a clean toothpick test.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then delicately transfer to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction before further preparation.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Zest oranges carefully to avoid bitter white pith, focusing only on the bright outer layer.
• Replace buttermilk with equal parts Greek yogurt or sour cream for richer moisture if unavailable.
• Enhance orange flavor by brushing cooled cake layers with orange simple syrup before frosting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg