Orange Creamsicle Cake

Orange Creamsicle Cake

Building on yesterday's contention that a great sponge cake holds many dessert possibilities, here is a easy but decadent recipe inspired by the ever popular Creamsicle frozen treat. Using the simple sponge cake as a base, the cake is soaked in a honey and orange syrup before being slathered in an amazingly rich vanilla, mascarpone and whipped cream frosting; truly worthy of any celebratory occasion.

One Sponge Cake ( get the recipe here: http://rockrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/03/best-sponge-cake.html )

Honey Orange Syrup

Mix together

1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate

1/4 cup honey

Using a fork or wooden skewer poke plenty of holes all over the surface of both cake layers. Spoon the honey and orange syrup over the surface of both cake layers. You may need to do this in several attempts allowing the syrup to soak into the cake between applications.

Frosting

Whip to firm peaks:

2 cups whipping cream

1/2 cup icing sugar

3 tsp vanilla extract

Remove about 3/4 of the whipped cream from the bowl and to the remaining 1/4 of the whipped cream, whip in until smooth

1 cup mascarpone cheese

Gently fold this mixture into the reserved whipped cream  and frost the middle , sides and top of the cake with the frosting. Garnish with additional whipped cream and orange slices if desired. Chill the cake for a couple of hours before serving.