There’s something magical about the combination of citrus and vanilla, it reminds me of warm summer afternoons on my nonna’s terrace in southern Italy. She used to make the fluffiest orange and vanilla sponge cake every summer, and we’d eat it barefoot under the lemon trees. That memory inspired this Creamsicle Cake, a modern twist on a childhood classic that’s as light, refreshing, and dreamy as those sun-drenched days.
This cake is infused with zesty orange flavor and creamy vanilla notes, making it perfect for garden parties, birthdays, or a sweet summer treat after dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamsicle Cake
- Light, fluffy texture with a vibrant citrus kick
- Perfectly balanced with creamy vanilla undertones
- Ideal for summer get-togethers or potlucks
- Easy to make, yet impressive to serve
- Nostalgic flavor that appeals to all ages
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy cake for 8 servings:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Vanilla-Orange Frosting:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- Extra orange zest
- Thin orange slices
- White chocolate shavings
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add in the oil, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Do not overmix, the goal is a light, airy batter.
Step 5: Bake
Put the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting.
Make the Creamy Orange Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add in powdered sugar, alternating with the orange juice, and continue beating until smooth and fluffy. Add orange zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat again for 1–2 minutes.
Frost & Decorate the Creamsicle Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. You can keep it simple or decorate with orange slices, zest, and even a swirl of white chocolate for a beautiful finish.
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Perfect Pairings
Serve Creamsicle Cake with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- Sparkling citrus mocktail or orange iced tea
- Fresh summer berries
More Summer Desserts You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamsicle Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly once cooled and store it at room temperature. Frost before serving for the freshest presentation.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch, make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
Orange zest adds essential flavor, but if you’re in a bind, you can substitute with a few drops of orange extract or use finely grated lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Can I make Creamsicle Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check other ingredient labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How do I get the frosting extra fluffy?
Use room-temperature butter, sift the powdered sugar, and beat the mixture for a good 2-3 minutes on high speed until it becomes airy and smooth.
Conclusion: A Cake That Captures Summer
This Creamsicle Cake is everything summer should taste like bright, refreshing, and irresistibly nostalgic. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, picnic, or just treating yourself to a slice of sunshine, it’s sure to bring smiles and second helpings. The mix of orange zest and creamy vanilla frosting delivers that iconic creamsicle flavor in every bite.
Bring a bit of Italian sunshine into your kitchen, and don’t forget to share your photos or tweaks with me, I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!