This ultra-moist pound cake captures the creamy, citrusy magic of a childhood creamsicle in every bite! With bright orange flavor, velvety cream cheese richness, and two dreamy glazes, it’s sunshine on a plate—perfect for picnics, brunches, or anytime you crave a taste of summer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Creamsicle vibes – Tangy orange + sweet vanilla = pure nostalgia
✅ Double-glazed – Zesty orange drizzle + creamy vanilla finish
✅ Stays moist for days – Thanks to cream cheese and buttermilk
✅ Stunning presentation – Bundt shape makes it party-ready
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp orange extract (optional but recommended)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp orange juice
- 1 drop orange gel food coloring (optional)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Generously grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy (~5 mins).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add zest, juices, and extracts.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Pour batter into pan and bake 70–80 mins (toothpick test).
- Cool in pan 15–20 mins, then invert onto a rack.
4. Make the Glazes
- Orange glaze: Mix powdered sugar + orange juice (+ food coloring).
- Vanilla glaze: Whisk powdered sugar + milk + vanilla.
5. Decorate Like a Pro
- Drizzle orange glaze over cooled cake.
- Once set, drizzle vanilla glaze in zigzags.
- Garnish with extra zest or orange slices.
Pro Tips for Success
🍊 Use fresh orange zest – It packs the most flavor
❄️ Room temp ingredients – Ensures even mixing
⏳ Don’t overbake – The cake should spring back lightly
🎨 Layer glazes – Let orange glaze set before adding vanilla
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled orange juice?
✅ Yes, but fresh zest is essential for bright flavor.
2. How to prevent sticking?
- Use baking spray with flour
- Let cake cool 15 mins before inverting
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
✅ Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
4. Why is my cake dense?
- Overmixed batter
- Old baking powder
- Opened oven door too early
5. Can I freeze this cake?
✅ Yes! Freeze un-glazed for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
☀️ Summer BBQs – Pair with lemonade or iced tea
🍦 Dessert – Serve with vanilla ice cream
🎁 Gift idea – Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon
Final Thoughts
This Orange Creamsicle Pound Cake is summer nostalgia in dessert form—buttery, citrusy, and impossible to resist. One bite will transport you back to lazy summer days!
What’s your favorite childhood treat turned dessert? Tell me below! 👇💛
Happy Baking! 🎉🍊
#PoundCake #Creamsicle #SummerDesserts #EasyBaking
