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–+ servings

Orange Creamsicle Buttercream Frosting

Ines Kitchen
Transform plain vanilla desserts into a citrus dream with this fluffy Orange Creamsicle Buttercream Frosting. This homemade icing captures the nostalgic flavor of an orange vanilla ice cream bar using fresh orange zest and rich heavy cream. It is the ultimate stable piping frosting for Spring cupcakes, Easter cakes, or brightening up winter baking. Light, airy, and bursting with zesty flavor, this whipped topping pairs perfectly with chocolate or vanilla sponge. A must-try recipe for citrus season.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 3 cups (enough for 12 cupcakes with tall swirls or a 9×13 cake)
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • Optional: ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon orange extract
  • Optional: orange gel food coloring

Instructions
 

  • Beat the softened butter in a large bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and lighter in color.
  • Add the orange zest and beat for 30 seconds.
  • Add 2 cups powdered sugar. Mix on low until combined, then beat on medium for 30 seconds.
  • Add the remaining powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons cream. Mix on low, then beat on medium-high for 2 minutes.
  • Add the orange juice and beat for 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl.
  • Adjust consistency with additional cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
  • Beat for 2 more minutes to make it fluffy. Add orange extract (if using) and food coloring (if using). Mix until combined.
  • Use immediately, or store in an airtight container (see notes).

Notes

For stiffer piping, use less cream and don’t add extra juice beyond the recipe.
For smoother spreading, add an extra tablespoon of cream.
Store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.
If the frosting looks separated, keep mixing. Temperature swings can make it look odd at first, but it usually comes back together with steady beating.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 1gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 55mgSugar: 39g