How to Make Orange Creamsicle at McDonald's?

McDonald's orange creamsicle is a frozen treat that combines the tangy flavor of oranges with creamy vanilla soft serve. While they don’t share their exact recipe, you can recreate it at home by blending fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla ice cream, and a splash of milk until smooth. For an extra touch, add a bit of sweetener if needed. Try this simple hack and enjoy your very own version of the classic McDonald's favorite!

Why Is It Called Depression Cake?

Depression cake gets its name from the Great Depression era when bakers had to make do with limited ingredients due to economic hardships. These cakes often relied on pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices, skipping eggs, milk, or butter. The term reflects the resourcefulness of cooks during tough times. Today, depression cake recipes are celebrated for their simplicity and nostalgia.

What Is the Secret to Super Moist Cake?

The secret to a super moist cake lies in balancing ingredients and techniques. Start by using room-temperature eggs and dairy products for better emulsification. Add sour cream or yogurt to enhance moisture, and avoid overmixing the batter to prevent toughness. Lastly, don’t overbake—check the cake a few minutes before the recommended time. Follow these tips, and your orange creamsicle cake will be tender and delicious every time!

How to Reduce Bitterness in Orange Cake?

Bitterness in orange cake usually comes from using too much zest or low-quality oranges. To reduce bitterness, try grating only the outermost layer of the peel, avoiding the white pith underneath. You can also balance the flavors by adding more sugar or a hint of vanilla extract. Another trick is to use sweeter varieties of oranges, such as navel or Valencia, which have less bitterness. Experiment with these adjustments to achieve the perfect citrus kick!

Can I Use Store-Bought Frosting Instead of Making My Own?

Absolutely! While homemade frosting gives you more control over flavor and texture, store-bought options can save time without sacrificing too much taste. Look for cream cheese or vanilla-based frostings that you can jazz up with a bit of orange zest or extract. Just remember, nothing beats the freshness of making it from scratch if you have the time.

How Long Does the Cake Stay Fresh?

Your orange creamsicle cake will stay fresh at room temperature for about two days in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to five days. Keep in mind that chilling might dull the citrus flavors slightly, so let it sit out for 30 minutes before serving to bring back that zesty kick.

How To Make Orange Creamsicle Cake (Step-by-Step Guide)

Name: How to Make Orange Creamsicle Cake (Step-by-Step Guide)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp orange zest (from fresh oranges); 1 cup fresh orange juice (or store-bought); ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp orange juice; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp orange juice; ½ tsp vanilla extract

Description

This Orange Creamsicle Cake is bursting with citrusy goodness and a creamy vanilla finish—just like your favorite childhood popsicle! Soft, moist, and packed with orange flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for summer gatherings or whenever you need a little sunshine in cake form. ☀️

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp orange zest (from fresh oranges)
1 cup fresh orange juice (or store-bought)
½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

For the Orange Cream Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp orange juice

For the Orange Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp orange juice
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.

4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture, alternating with orange juice and buttermilk.
Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).

5. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the Orange Cream Filling

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract and orange juice.
Spread the filling between the cake layers.

7. Drizzle with Orange Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle over the frosted cake for a glossy finish!

Notes

✔ For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the batter.
✔ Want a deeper orange color? Add a drop of natural orange food coloring.
✔ Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner layers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: orange creamsicle cake, orange cake, citrus cake