Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Add a pop of flavor to your carrot cake and cinnamon rolls with this easy 5 ingredient Orange Cream Cheese Frosting! It's the perfect mix of tangy and sweet mixed with fresh orange zest for an irresistible topping to your favorite desserts.

Orange cream cheese frosting is luscious, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and balanced with a bit of tanginess. Normally, I opt for traditional cream cheese frosting, but come spring, I love adding fresh citrus flavors to my desserts. And what better than the addition of fresh orange zest.

I especially love that all you need is 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes to whip up this recipe, giving you a quick way to elevate classic desserts. Just like banana cream cheese frosting, you can spread this frosting over a layered carrot cake, cupcakes, cookies, and even strawberry cinnamon rolls.

Orange Flavor Options

If you ask me, the best type of orange flavor is from fresh oranges. The zest of the orange adds a vibrant citrus flavor without affecting the consistency of the frosting! But, here are two other options you can use:

• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: This will add a subtle orange flavor and sweetness that’s not too overpowering. You’ll mix a small amount in at a time so you do not make the frosting runny. I recommend using freshly squeezed so the flavor is concentrated and not store-bought versions! 
• Orange Extract: This VERY concentrated extract really packs a punch, so only a few drops are needed for the entire recipe. It also keeps the frosting evenly blended and smooth.

Ingredients You'll need

• Full Fat Cream Cheese - A bar of full-fat cream cheese is needed to achieve that perfect tangy flavor with a thick texture. It must be at room temperature to allow it to blend with the butter. 
• Unsalted Butter - Makes up the base of the frosting adding thickness along with a rich buttery flavor. This ingredient also needs to be at room temperature to allow for smoothness. 
• Powdered Sugar - This superfine sugar blends seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients, adding thickness and a classic sweet flavor.
• Orange Zest - The outer layer of an orange peel is grated and put into the frosting, adding a natural orange flavor that can't be beat! 
• Pure Vanilla Extract - Adding vanilla flavor to a recipe with fresh orange taste helps tone down the zesty flavor by adding a warming floral note that rounds it out perfectly.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting in 2 Steps

Before you begin: Bring all of your ingredients to room temperature and read the recipe from start to finish.

Cream the butter and sugar: Fit a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix the butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the powdered sugar and SLOWLY mix until fully incorporated into the mixture. Then, scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add vanilla and orange zest, and mix again on medium speed for 3-4 minutes or until the frosting is light and airy. Use immediately or store for later.

Best Way to Zest An Orange

To maximize the flavor of your orange zest, follow these easy steps:

1. Begin by washing the orange and patting dry with a clean towel to remove any excess moisture.
2. Use a fine zester like a microplane zester to gently grate the orange skin. Only zest the orange outer skin, avoiding the white pith underneath, as it's bitter.
3. For the best flavor, use the zest immediately in your recipe, as it can dry up and lose its taste if it sits for too long.

Preventing Runny Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect texture in your frosting can be tricky! Use the following tips to keep cream cheese frosting from running: 

• Use full-fat cream cheese instead of low-fat or whipped versions, as they have more moisture, which can lead to a runnier frosting.
• Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the mix helps to prevent lumps.
• Add the powdered sugar gradually and beat slowly to control the texture. This also allows you to stop before the frosting gets too thin.
• If the frosting feels too soft, chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit can help firm it up before use.
• Do not overbeat the frosting because it can lead to a runny texture as it incorporates too much air and can warm up the ingredients.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Keep any leftover orange frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and spreadable for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before using to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing: Freeze the frosting in a sealed container or airtight bag for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before re-whipping it to restore its fluffy consistency.

Recipe FAQ

Recipes To Pair With This Frosting

• Carrot Cake Pound Cake
• 8 Inch Round Vanilla Cake
• Easy Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
• Carrot Bundt Cake
• Gingerbread Doughnuts

I hope you love this Orange Cream Cheese Frosting as much as we do for your favorite cakes and cupcakes! Please leave a comment below, I love reading your feedback! And if you’d like to make this recipe later, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest. Happy Baking!

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