Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Orange Velvet Cake is just what you need! It’s a delightful blend of rich flavors and a soft, velvety texture that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This cake is perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive celebrations. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

What makes this Orange Velvet Cake truly special is its ability to brighten up even the simplest of gatherings. The refreshing orange flavor combined with the light cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and uplifting. Trust me, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you’ll have this stunning cake ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this moist and flavorful treat; it’s sure to bring smiles all around!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake the layers ahead of time and frost them when you’re ready, making it great for planning parties or special occasions.
• Versatile Flavor: The bright orange flavor pairs beautifully with various fillings or toppings, so feel free to get creative!
• Impressive Presentation: This cake looks as fabulous as it tastes, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the ingredients! This Orange Velvet Cake uses simple and wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (226g)
• 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened (168g)
• 2 cups sugar (400g)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups cake flour (342g) – see Notes for substitution
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (8g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (3g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
• ½ cup milk (175g)
• ½ cup concentrated orange juice, thawed
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (54g)
• Orange Zest from one orange (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon Orange Extract
• Orange Coloring Gel for desired shade of orange (Optional)

For the Frosting

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (339g)
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract (4g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• 7 cups Powdered Sugar, adjust slightly up or down to your liking (805g)
• Orange Coloring Gel for tinting. (Optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate: Swirl in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate-orange combo.
• Switch Up the Citrus: Try using lemon or grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for a different citrus twist.
• Layer with Fruit: Fresh berries between the layers can add an extra burst of flavor and color to your cake.
• Change the Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try a whipped coconut cream topping for a lighter finish.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Greasing and flouring three 8-inch pans will ensure your cakes come out easily once baked. I like to use parchment paper circles at the bottom—it makes all the difference!

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds. This step ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional orange zest. This mixture adds moisture and helps infuse that lovely citrus flavor throughout your cake.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In the bowl of your mixer, add softened butter and cream cheese. Mix at medium speed until smooth. This step is crucial; creaming these ingredients creates a fluffy texture in your cake.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add in the sugar while mixing at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and fluffy. The sugar not only sweetens but also helps incorporate air into the mix.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add each egg one at a time while mixing until just combined. Be patient here; this helps maintain that velvety texture we love so much!

Step 7: Alternate Adding Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add in the dry flour mixture and wet milk mixture—starting and ending with flour. This gentle mixing avoids overworking the batter while ensuring everything blends harmoniously.

Step 8: Divide Batter into Pans

Carefully divide the batter between your prepared pans. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly equal; they’ll still bake beautifully!

Step 9: Bake!

Place those pans in the oven at 325 degrees F for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean—or with just a few crumbs attached! Let them cool on wire racks before removing them from their pans; patience pays off here.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe yields approximately eight cups of batter—enough for either three layers or cupcakes if you prefer! Just remember they won’t dome much if you go with cupcakes.

Now you’re ready to impress everyone with this delightful Orange Velvet Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Baking is all about practice and little tweaks to make your cake truly shine! Here are some pro tips to ensure your Orange Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, which leads to a lighter cake texture. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or not mix properly.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture rather than the light, velvety finish you want.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for perfectly baked layers.

• Cool Layers Properly: Allow your cake layers to cool in their pans for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from sticking and ensures they retain their shape.

• Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to adjust the orange extract according to your taste preferences. If you love a strong citrus flavor, add a bit more for an extra zesty kick!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Presenting your delicious Orange Velvet Cake beautifully can make all the difference! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh Orange Slices: Add a pop of color and freshness by placing thin orange slices on top of the frosted cake.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, top each slice with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for added richness.
• Edible Flowers: Use edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums to give the cake an elegant touch that’s perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the sweetness of the cake while adding texture and brightness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a slice of cake creates a classic pairing that enhances both flavors.
• Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet offers a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness of the Orange Velvet Cake.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving this cake with a steaming cup of coffee or fragrant herbal tea not only enhances its flavor but also creates a cozy atmosphere for enjoying dessert.

Now that you’re armed with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake your delightful Orange Velvet Cake! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This moist and delightful Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just want to enjoy sweet treats throughout the week, this cake can be made ahead and stored easily. Here’s how:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap each layer in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can also freeze slices for individual servings.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For larger portions, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and warm the cake wrapped in aluminum foil for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Orange Velvet Cake.

What makes Orange Velvet Cake different from regular orange cake?

Orange Velvet Cake stands out due to its rich, velvety texture created by the combination of cream cheese and butter. This results in a moist crumb that elevates it above traditional orange cakes.

Can I use fresh oranges instead of concentrated orange juice for my Orange Velvet Cake?

Yes! You can substitute fresh orange juice for concentrated orange juice. However, you may need to adjust the sugar slightly since fresh juice is less sweet than concentrated juice.

How long does Orange Velvet Cake last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Orange Velvet Cake can last up to 5 days. If frozen, it will maintain its quality for about 3 months.

Can I make cupcakes with this Orange Velvet Cake recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully for cupcakes. Just note that they may not dome as high as traditional cupcake recipes.

What is the best way to decorate my Orange Velvet Cake?

You can decorate your Orange Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting, fresh orange slices, or even candied citrus peel for an extra touch of flavor and presentation!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this luscious Orange Velvet Cake! Its soft texture and bright flavor make it truly special. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply indulging yourself on a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones!