This Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Cake is a dreamy, citrusy dessert that layers fluffy orange cake with creamy vanilla-orange cheesecake and a luscious orange cream frosting. Bright, tangy, and indulgent, it brings the nostalgic flavor of an orange creamsicle to an elegant, crowd-pleasing cake—perfect for spring, summer, or any celebration.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This layered cheesecake cake offers the best of both worlds — a soft, citrusy cake paired with a rich, creamy cheesecake center.
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Combines two classic desserts into one incredible creation.
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Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special celebrations.
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Bursting with real orange flavor for a nostalgic creamsicle taste.
Ingredients Breakdown:
Cheesecake Layer:
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16 oz cream cheese – For the rich, creamy base.
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2/3 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake.
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2 large eggs – Binds the filling.
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1/3 cup sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
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1 tsp orange zest & 2 tbsp orange juice – For bright citrus flavor.
Orange Cake Layers:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour – Structure of the cake.
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1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt – Leavening and balance.
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1 cup sugar – Sweetness.
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½ cup butter – Adds richness and moisture.
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2 large eggs – Provides structure and moisture.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the orange flavor.
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2 tbsp orange zest & ½ cup orange juice – Bold citrus flavor.
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½ cup buttermilk – Moisture and tenderness.
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Orange food coloring (optional) – For a vibrant hue.
Orange Cream Frosting:
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1 cup butter – Rich, creamy base.
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4 cups powdered sugar – Sweet and fluffy consistency.
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¼ cup heavy cream – Smooth texture.
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2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest – Natural citrus flavor.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth.
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Orange food coloring (optional) – For a bright finish.
Garnish (Optional):
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Orange slices, zest, whipped cream – For decoration and extra indulgence.
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Tips and Tricks
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Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better consistency.
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Chill the cheesecake layer thoroughly before assembling for easy stacking.
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Level your cake layers to prevent slipping during assembly.
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Use gel-based food coloring for a vibrant orange hue without altering the texture.
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Refrigerate before slicing for neat, clean cuts.
Variations and Customizations
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Chocolate Twist: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between layers for a chocolate-orange flavor.
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Citrus Swap: Use lemon or lime juice and zest for a different citrus profile.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
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Mini Cakes: Make in smaller pans for individual servings.
Pairing Suggestions
This rich, citrusy cake pairs beautifully with:
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Black tea or Earl Grey
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Champagne or Moscato
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Fresh fruit salad
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Vanilla ice cream
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I make the layers ahead of time?
Yes! The cheesecake and cake layers can be made a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Do I need to use food coloring?
No, it’s optional. The cake will still taste great without it, but food coloring enhances the presentation.
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Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use store-bought if necessary.
PrintOrange Creamsicle Cheesecake Cake
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Cake – A sunny, nostalgic treat! Layers of fluffy orange cake, creamy vanilla-orange cheesecake, and dreamy orange cream frosting taste just like the classic popsicle—but even better.
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Ingredients
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16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
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2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1/3 cup (80ml) sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon orange zest
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2 tablespoons orange juice
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1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons orange zest
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1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
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1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
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Optional: a few drops of orange food coloring
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
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1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
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2 tablespoons orange juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon orange zest
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Optional: a few drops of orange food coloring
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Orange slices or zest
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Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Cheesecake Layer
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Mix in sour cream, vanilla, orange zest, and juice.
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Pour into the springform pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggles.
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Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Orange Cake Layers
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and orange zest.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients with orange juice and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry. Mix until combined.
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Add food coloring if desired.
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Divide batter evenly into pans.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks.
3. Make the Orange Cream Frosting
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Beat butter until creamy.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with cream, juice, and vanilla.
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Mix in orange zest and food coloring.
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Beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Assemble the Cake
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Place one orange cake layer on a serving plate.
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Spread a thin layer of frosting.
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Carefully place the cheesecake layer on top.
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Spread another thin layer of frosting.
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Top with the second orange cake layer.
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Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting.
5. Garnish and Serve
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Decorate with orange slices or zest.
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Add whipped cream if desired.
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Chill the cake for 1 hour before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
This Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake Cake is perfect for celebrations, offering a beautiful balance of creamy texture and citrusy zing. It’s rich, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make with a little planning.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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