Orange Creamsicle Cake

🍰 Instructions

1️⃣ Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9–10 inch (22–24 cm) round cake pan.Greasing the pan thoroughly ensures the delicate citrus cake releases cleanly once cooled.
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.Whisk well to distribute the leavening ingredients evenly, which helps the cake rise uniformly.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, oil, and eggs for 1–2 minutes.The mixture should become pale and slightly thick, helping create a soft, tender crumb.
4. Add the orange juice, milk, orange zest, and vanilla.The citrus aroma will bloom immediately—this liquid mixture brings both moisture and bright flavor.
5. Add the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula.Do not overmix; stop as soon as no dry streaks remain to avoid a dense cake.
6. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.The top should turn lightly golden and spring back when touched. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely.A fully cooled cake absorbs syrup more evenly and holds its structure under the cream.
   

   2️⃣ Preparing the Orange Syrup