Orange Creamsicle Buttercream is a smooth, creamy frosting with a sweet orange and vanilla flavor, plus a light, fluffy texture from marshmallow creme. It is easy to make and a deliciously indulgent treat perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or other baked goods! Why not add a little bit to my orange creamsicle cookies for even more orange flavor?!? I also have Marshmallow Buttercream and classic American Buttercream, too, to keep you (and your treats) covered!

Cupcake with Orange Creamsicle Buttercream piped on top with fresh orange slices.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Butter: Unsalted butter gives the frosting a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor. (I prefer unsalted butter to have more control over the salt in the recipe, but salted butter would work, too.)
Confectioners’ Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) makes the frosting sweet and helps it thicken. If you don’t have confectioners’ sugar, you could use regular granulated sugar, but it might make the frosting a bit grainy. (It will still be delicious, though!)
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a smooth, warm flavor that pairs well with the orange. You can use almond extract or any other flavor you like, but it will change the taste.
Orange Extract: For the fruity, citrus flavor, I used orange extract. For a more natural flavor, you could use orange zest, but the flavor will not be as pronounced.
Marshmallow Creme: For a light, fluffy frosting with marshmallow flavor, I used marshmallow creme (or marshmallow fluff). It is a sweet concoction that tastes like marshmallows. If you don’t have any on hand, make your own!

Piping Orange Creamsicle Buttercream onto a cupcake with orange slices around.

Delicious Ways To Use Orange Creamsicle Buttercream

Here are some of my favorite ways to use this orange creamsicle buttercream (if I don’t eat it all by the spoonful first😜):

Frost cupcakes.
Spread it on cakes.
Spread it between two cookies for a cookie sandwich. (I love it between two oatmeal cookies!)
Add a swirl of frosting on top of the best brownies.
Use it as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries or apples.
Decorate sugar cookies (my favorite) for a special treat. I also have orange sugar cookies that would be perfect with this frosting!
Top pancakes and waffles for a fun breakfast topping.
Use it to fill pastries like danishes or puff pastry.

Jar of piped Orange Creamsicle Buttercream on a wooden table with fresh orange slices.

How To Store Orange Creamsicle Buttercream

To store orange creamsicle buttercream, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a week. When ready to use, first, let the frosting come to room temperature. Then, I like to re-whip it to make it creamy.

Can I Freeze Orange Creamsicle Buttercream?

Yes! For longer storage, freeze the buttercream for up to a couple of months. But, if frozen, it may take a while for it to get back to its smooth consistency after thawing at room temperature.

Orange Creamsicle Buttercream

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

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Ingredients

▢ 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
▢ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ ½ teaspoon orange extract
▢ 4 cups (500 g) confectioners' sugar
▢ 2 jars (7 ounces each) marshmallow creme

Instructions

To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add butter. Mix on medium speed until the butter is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and orange extract. Mix until combined.
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy.
Add marshmallow creme. Mix until well combined.
The frosting can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. If chilled, allow frosting to come to room temperature before using.

Did you make this recipe?

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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

This buttercream tastes just like the ice cream! It's smooth, sweet, and has the perfect mix of orange and marshmallow flavors. I loved it on cupcakes!