Name: Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 3 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (390 grams); 3 cups granulated sugar (600 grams); 2 1/2 tsp baking powder (10 grams); 1 tsp fine salt (6 grams); 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 grams – 2 sticks); 1 cup carton egg whites, room temperature (or about 7 egg whites, 235 grams); 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature (345 grams); 2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil (28 grams); 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8 grams); 750 grams white chocolate (about 2 bags of white chocolate chips); 350 grams heavy whipping cream, room temperature (1 1/2 cups); 1 Tbsp orange extract (18 grams); Orange gel food coloring (a few drops); 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (339 grams); 1/2 tsp fine salt (3 grams); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (9 grams); 1 1/2 tsp orange extract (9 grams); 6 cups powdered sugar (750 grams); 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature (28 grams); 2 tsp (1 envelope) powdered unflavored gelatin (7 grams), bloomed in 1/4 cup water; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams); 3/4 cup water, room temperature (237 grams); 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk (200 grams); 2 cups miniature white chocolate chips (350 grams); Orange gel food coloring (a few squirts); 4 cake tops (from leveled vanilla cake layers above); 2/3 cup orange buttercream (made from frosting above); 1 1/2 cups melted white chocolate; Wooden popsicle sticks

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the refreshing, dreamy taste of a classic ice cream truck treat in cake form, this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a delightful celebration of tangy orange and creamy vanilla flavors woven into a moist, tender cake, layered with luscious ganache and frosted with the fluffiest orange buttercream. This recipe not only tastes like summer wrapped in a slice but also brings a fun and elegant twist with its stunning cakesicles that crown the cake in style. Prepare for a baking adventure that’s as joyous to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five bright orange and white popsicles with wooden sticks rest on a metal rack over a black tray catching drips of melted orange liquid beneath them. The popsicles have a smooth, shiny texture with the orange layer covering most of each one and a white tip at the bottom near the stick. Below, a white bowl filled with the same glossy orange liquid sits on a white marbled surface. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the vivid colors and smooth surfaces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe means gathering simple but indispensable ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: from the soft vanilla cake layers to the rich ganache, vibrant orange accents, and that dreamy buttercream frosting—all combining to give you the perfect balance of flavor, color, and delightful texture.

All-purpose flour (3 cups, 390 grams): The foundation for your tender vanilla cake layers that hold everything together beautifully.
Granulated sugar (3 cups, 600 grams): Adds essential sweetness throughout the cake and frosting.
Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp, 10 grams): Gives your cake the perfect lift and light crumb.
Fine salt (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp, 6 + 3 grams): Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup + 1 1/2 cups, 226 + 339 grams): Contributes richness and moisture to the cake and buttercream.
Carton egg whites (1 cup, about 7 whites, 235 grams): Keeps the cake light and tender.
Buttermilk, room temperature (1 1/2 cups, 345 grams): Adds subtle tanginess and moisture, softening the crumb.
Vegetable or canola oil (2 Tbsp, 28 grams): Ensures moistness and keeps the cake wonderfully soft.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (2 tsp + 1 1/2 tsp, 8 + 9 grams): Brings sweet aromatic depth to every bite.
White chocolate (750 grams): Melted into a ganache and used for dipping cakesicles, it adds creamy sweetness and silky texture.
Heavy whipping cream (350 grams + 2 Tbsp, 1 1/2 cups + 28 grams): Integral in making luscious ganache and smooth frosting.
Orange extract (1 Tbsp + 1 1/2 tsp, 18 + 9 grams): Delivers the iconic citrusy brightness that makes this cake sing with that creamsicle flavor.
Orange gel food coloring: For that perfect pop of color reminiscent of a popsicle classic.
Powdered sugar (6 cups, 750 grams): Creates the silky, sweet body of the buttercream frosting.
Powdered unflavored gelatin (2 tsp or 1 envelope, 7 grams): Gives the mirror glaze its glossy, smooth texture.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups, 300 grams): Sweetens the orange mirror glaze.
Water (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup, 237 + 60 grams): Hydrates gelatin and blends other glaze ingredients.
Sweetened condensed milk (2/3 cup, 200 grams): Adds richness and sheen to the mirror glaze.
Miniature white chocolate chips (2 cups, 350 grams): Incorporated into the mirror glaze for texture and extra sweetness.
Wooden popsicle sticks: Essential for forming the charming orange cakesicles that top the cake.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing 4 cake pans by lining them with parchment rounds and greasing thoroughly. The batter is a simple yet carefully balanced blend of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, egg whites, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Each ingredient combines to create a soft, moist, and fluffy cake that’s bursting with vanilla flavor – the perfect canvas for the orange magic to come.

Mix your dry ingredients first, then slowly incorporate the butter to achieve a crumbly texture before adding your wet ingredients. Dividing the batter evenly ensures each cake layer will stack up beautifully. Bake for about 33 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cooling and then freezing the layers briefly will make assembly a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Creamsicle Ganache

Next up is the luscious white chocolate ganache infused with bright orange extract and a pop of gel coloring to give it that irresistible creamsicle vibe. Warm the heavy cream gently and pour it over the chopped white chocolate, allowing the two to meld into a glossy, silky ganache. Let it cool until thickened to a peanut butter-like consistency — perfect for layering inside your cake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Orange Buttercream Frosting

The buttercream is where creaminess meets citrus zing. Beat softened butter until smooth, then mix in vanilla, orange extracts, salt, and powdered sugar in increments to get that fluffy, luscious texture. Adding heavy cream helps balance the consistency, making it perfect for both frosting the cake and helping bind the cakesicle centers.

Step 4: Make the Orange Mirror Glaze

This glossy glaze is the dazzling finish that makes this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe stand out. Bloom gelatin in cold water, then combine sugar, water, and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl before mixing in the gelatin. Melt white chocolate and whisk into the warm mixture, infusing with orange gel coloring for vibrancy. This glaze pours over the frozen cakesicles to give them that shimmering, irresistible look.

Step 5: Create and Assemble the Orange Cakesicles

Using the reserved cake tops, crumble them finely and mix with some orange buttercream until they hold together. Press this mixture into popsicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze. Once frozen solid, dip each cakesicle in melted white chocolate and then again twice into the mirror glaze to build a perfect orange creamsicle shell. After curing, the cakesicles become the striking decoration that crowns your cake.

Step 6: Final Assembly of the Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

Stack the vanilla cake layers with generous layers of orange ganache between each. Apply a thin crumb coat of ganache on the outside before chilling. Finish with a thick layer of orange buttercream, smoothing it out to perfection. Secure bamboo skewers into the cake tops to support the cakesicles, chill briefly, then add mirror glaze drips around each skewer for that elegant drip effect. Finally, mount your orange creamsicle cakesicles onto their skewers for a show-stopping finish.

How to Serve Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe

A round white frosted cake with smooth sides sits on a white cake board on a white marbled surface. The top of the cake has bright orange glaze poured in a cross shape with the glaze dripping down the sides in even streams. Four yellow candles stand upright near the edges of the cake on top of the orange glaze. The background is softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or a few candied orange slices alongside the cake can elevate every slice. These fresh touches enhance the citrus notes and add a gentle texture contrast that highlights the creamy layers beneath.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a refreshing citrus salad or a scoop of sorbet in complementary flavors like mango or raspberry. Serving with a cup of bright herbal tea or sparkling lemonade can help cleanse the palate and keep the experience lively.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests even more, serve individual portions with a small orange creamsicle on a stick placed on each dessert plate alongside a drizzle of orange syrup. Alternatively, a clear glass cake dome with fresh orange blossoms or edible flowers draws attention to the gorgeous layers and the whimsical cakesicles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or a cake cover to prevent drying out and to keep those flavors fresh and lively.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle room temperature rest before slicing.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled and creamy cake, reheating isn’t necessary and will compromise texture. Instead, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to get that perfectly soft and creamy mouthfeel.

FAQs

Can I use fresh eggs instead of carton egg whites?

Absolutely! Using about 7 fresh egg whites will work just as well. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature first to help your batter mix evenly and create tender cake layers.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to reach 1 1/2 cups. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic that signature tangy moisture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind that baking times and textures may vary, so monitor closely while baking.

How do I avoid cracking on my cakesicles during dipping?

Make sure your cakesicles are completely frozen before dipping, and the white chocolate should be warm but not too hot. Dipping quickly and letting them set on parchment paper helps prevent cracking.

What type of orange extract works best for this recipe?

A good quality pure orange extract or natural orange oil will give the best vibrant, authentic citrus notes. Avoid artificial or low-quality extracts, as their flavor can taste harsh or dull the overall finish.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try this Orange Creamsicle Cake Recipe because it truly is a show-stopper that tastes just like your favorite nostalgic treat but in cake form. With every bite, you’ll get layers of creamy, citrusy bliss wrapped around a moist vanilla sponge, all crowned by those gorgeous cakesicles. Whether for a special celebration or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe brings fun, flavor, and a little bit of magic to your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier eating!