Orange frosting typically refers to frosting that is orange in color and contains artificial orange flavor, orange extract, orange juice, or orange zest. Some types of orange frosting may have all of these characteristics, while others may have only one. A few varieties may only be orange in color as part of a larger color scheme, and its flavor may be completely different. Other orange icings may be white or cream-colored but with an intense orange flavor. These factors usually depend on what the cook needs.

Sometimes the term 'orange frosting' only refers to the color. The actual flavor of the frosting may be vanilla, white chocolate, or even some other fruit. Papaya or kumquat-flavored frostings may feature an orange color, but taste quite different than icing with an orange flavor. Cream cheese icing may also be colored this way, especially if it is on top of a dessert containing pumpkin or carrots.

There are several ways to make orange-colored frosting. The first, and possibly easiest, involves mixing orange food coloring into white frosting. Cooks may combine red and yellow food coloring to create different shades of orange, or purchase fondant dye at craft and baking stores. Those using fondant dye only need a few drops per batch of icing, unless they want the frosting to be very dark orange, indeed.

The name 'orange frosting' may sometimes refer only to the flavor of the frosting. Commercial companies often sell icing with the flavor already mixed into it, but home cooks can also create this icing at home. A few drops of orange extract in vanilla icing will do the trick. Those that want a more intense flavor might use orange zest and a few spoonfuls of orange juice. Artificial flavors, which are often very sweet and intense, are usually available at grocery stores, as well.

Bakers may require orange frosting for several reasons. Halloween-themed pastries are often decorated with orange and black frosting, whether they’re marbled together or part of a piped design. Weddings with orange as one of the colors may require orange icing on the cake. Easter pastries may require piped carrots or many brightly-colored frostings for gum paste eggs. These are only a few of the possibilities.

Orange-flavored frosting may be necessary on lemon or cream cheese-based desserts. Chocolate cupcakes and pies may take on a fresh, summery taste with the addition of a citrusy topping. Even a wintery gingerbread cake might benefit from the fresh, bright taste of orange frosting.