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Orange Zest Cream Cheese Cloud

Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: The Ultimate Homemade Citrus Delight

Unlock a world of vibrant flavor with this incredibly creamy and thick Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. Boasting a delightful tang and a powerful punch of fresh orange zest and juice, this easy-to-make frosting comes together in under 5 minutes. It’s the perfect topping for an orange bundt cake, fluffy cupcakes, or any other orange-flavored dessert you can imagine!

A cupcake topped with orange cream cheese frosting on top on a pink background.
If you’re discovering the magic of orange cream cheese frosting for the first time, prepare to be amazed! This isn’t just any frosting; it’s a game-changer for your dessert repertoire. Its luscious, thick, and tangy profile is bursting with authentic citrus flavor, all thanks to one hero ingredient: a fresh orange. Just one humble orange transforms a classic cream cheese base into something truly extraordinary.

The secret lies in the dynamic duo of fresh orange zest and juice. The zest, in particular, is where the intense, aromatic oils reside, elevating the richness of the cream cheese with a bright, invigorating essence. This perfect balance cuts through the sweetness beautifully, making every bite feel light, fresh, and incredibly special. From generously slathering it onto an orange bundt cake to sandwiching it between soft orange cookies, this citrusy delight is incredibly versatile. After making a similar version for my Carrot Pineapple Cake, I knew this orange-infused creation deserved its own spotlight. The best part? You won’t need any specialized equipment – just a bowl, a spoon, and a trusty zester. While bottled orange juice can be used, we highly recommend fresh for that irresistible “zing.” So, grab your orange and zester, and let’s create some magic!

Orange cream cheese frosting swirled in a bowl.
Those tiny flecks of orange zest add beautiful color and are essential for maximizing flavor. Don’t skip them!

Choosing the Perfect Oranges for Your Frosting

When it comes to crafting the best orange cream cheese frosting, the type of orange truly matters. For optimal results, stick with oranges that offer a substantial amount of zest and a robust, sweet-tart juice. This is why we advise against using clementines.

Clementines, while sweet and easy to peel for snacking, don’t provide the same quality or quantity of zest as larger oranges. Their skin tends to be thinner and less fragrant, meaning you’ll miss out on those crucial essential oils that give this frosting its signature brightness. Furthermore, their flavor profile is often milder and can taste “off” when paired with the richness of cream cheese and butter.

Instead, reach for varieties like Navel oranges, Cara Cara oranges, or even Blood oranges. Navel oranges are widely available and perfect for their vibrant zest and juicy flesh. Cara Cara oranges offer a beautiful pinkish hue and a sweeter, less acidic flavor with lovely aromatics. Blood oranges will impart a subtle berry-like note and a gorgeous reddish tint to your frosting, making for a stunning presentation. Any of these options will give you that irresistible, fresh orange flavor and abundant zest needed for a truly spectacular citrus cream cheese frosting.

How to Make This Dreamy Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating this amazing orange cream cheese frosting is surprisingly simple and quick. The key to its smooth, lump-free texture and intense flavor lies in using softened ingredients and incorporating the fresh citrus correctly. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:

Cream cheese and butter added to a mixing bowl.
For the absolute best results, ensure your cream cheese and butter are perfectly softened. Learn how to soften butter and soften cream cheese quickly to achieve a smooth, lump-free frosting.
Cream cheese and butter mixed in a mixing bowl.
Begin by combining the softened block of cream cheese and softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream these two ingredients together on medium speed until they are thoroughly and evenly mixed. This step is crucial for establishing a smooth base for your frosting.
Orange zest and juice added to a bowl.
Once the cream cheese and butter are well combined, it’s time to infuse that wonderful orange flavor. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated, then add the fresh orange zest and a small amount of fresh orange juice to the mixture. Mix lightly to combine, allowing the citrus aromas to start developing.

A little tip for maximizing flavor: always zest your orange directly over the mixing bowl. When you zest onto a plate or another surface and then transfer it, you inevitably leave behind some of those precious, aromatic essential oils locked within the zest. Zesting straight into your bowl ensures that every bit of that vibrant orange essence makes it into your frosting. Don’t worry about being too precise with the measurement; a good “eyeball” is often sufficient, as the natural oils are truly what makes the difference.

Powdered sugar added to a mixing bowl.
Next, gradually pour in the confectioners’ sugar in batches. Start mixing on low speed to prevent a “sugar cloud” from forming. Once the sugar is mostly incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until the frosting becomes wonderfully creamy. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Finally, add the milk and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing again until all ingredients are fully combined and the frosting is beautifully fluffy and smooth.
Frosting being made in a mixing bowl.
For that perfect, velvety texture, whip the frosting thoroughly after all ingredients are added. This helps eliminate any remaining lumps and incorporates air, making it light and airy.
Orange cream cheese frosting mixed in a mixing bowl.
The addition of butter not only adds richness but also contributes to the incredibly creamy consistency of this frosting, making it delightfully smooth and spreadable.

And just like that, you’ve created a luscious batch of homemade orange cream cheese frosting! Due to its rich and creamy nature, this frosting is generally softer than traditional buttercream, meaning it might not hold its shape perfectly for intricate piping work on cupcakes. It’s best suited for a rustic, generous slathering using an offset spatula or a simple knife, allowing its smooth texture and vibrant flavor to shine. Don’t worry about perfect swirls; the taste will speak for itself!

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Orange cream cheese frosting swirled in a bowl.

Creamy Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 12 cupcakes

This Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is super creamy, thick, and packs a punch of flavor from the fresh orange zest and juice. Made in just 5 minutes, this easy and sweet frosting is perfect to use over an orange bundt cake or any other orange flavored desserts!

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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, (1 block) softened
  • ½ cup butter, 113g softened
  • 1 tbsp orange zest, or zest from 1 orange
  • ½ tsp orange juice
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar, 454g
  • ½ tsp milk
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the block of cream cheese and ½ cup butter on medium speed until evenly combined.
  2. Scrape down the bowl and add in orange zest, ½ tsp orange juice, and mix lightly.
  3. Add in the 4 cups of confectioners sugar and mix on low speed. Move up to medium-high speed when the sugar is mixed in. Mix until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add ½ tsp milk, and ¼ tsp kosher salt and mix again until combined and super fluffy.

Notes

Icing Tips

  • If the frosting seems too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, about ½ tsp at a time. A little goes a long way. If it’s too thin, add ⅓ cup powdered sugar and mix until it’s fluffy again.
  • For a firmer frosting that’s easier to work with, refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes before spreading or piping onto your baked goods.
  • You can prepare this frosting ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick mix to restore its fluffy texture before frosting your treats.

Yield

This recipe makes enough to generously frost 12-16 cupcakes, completely cover a 9×13 sheet cake, or fill and frost a 2-layer 8-inch round cake.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storing: Place the finished frosting in an airtight container or a sealed piping bag and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature, then give it a quick whisk or mix to restore its creamy texture, especially if you plan to spread it.

Freezing: For longer storage, place the frosting in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to three months. To use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, let it sit at room temperature for a while before stirring it vigorously to bring back its signature fluffiness and smooth consistency.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Serving: 1 portion, Calories: 290kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 170mg, Potassium: 30mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 40g, Vitamin A: 493IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Course: Dessert, Frosting

Author: Sam Adler

Cuisine: American, Anything

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