Easy Orange Frosting (Buttercream Icing) Recipe
This Easy Orange Frosting is a bright and flavorful buttercream icing perfect for adding a zesty citrus touch to cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Made with a combination of butter, shortening, fresh orange juice and zest, and a hint of orange extract, this frosting is smooth, creamy, and delightfully fresh-tasting. The vibrant orange gel coloring enhances its appearance to make your baked goods look as good as they taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup shortening
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon orange extract or orange emulsion oil
- 4 cups powdered sugar, preferably sifted
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Orange gel coloring, as needed
Instructions
- Cream butter and shortening: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and shortening until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add orange flavor and zest: Incorporate the orange extract and fresh orange zest into the creamed mixture and continue mixing to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Incorporate powdered sugar and juice: Add the powdered sugar in batches, about 1 cup at a time. Alternate adding small amounts of freshly squeezed orange juice between each addition of sugar. Continue mixing until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Add orange gel coloring: Mix in orange gel coloring a little at a time until you reach your desired vibrant orange hue.
- Serve or store: Use immediately to frost your baked goods, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, bringing to room temperature and beating slightly before use.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- Orange gel coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring for more vibrant color without altering consistency.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with shortening.
- Frosting can be stored refrigerated for up to one week; bring to room temperature and remix before spreading.