Creamsicle Sheet Cake
Creamsicle Sheet Cake combines the bright, refreshing flavor of fresh oranges with rich vanilla in a soft, moist cake topped with creamy citrus frosting. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd, it's ideal for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, and summer gatherings. Every slice delivers the nostalgic taste of a classic orange creamsicle in cake form. Light, fluffy, and beautifully frosted, this dessert is as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Creamsicle Frosting
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the orange juice, sour cream, and milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
- Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with orange zest or orange slices before serving.
Notes
- Fresh orange juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting.
- Full-fat cream cheese creates the creamiest frosting.
- Fresh orange zest adds intense citrus aroma.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.