Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cake that’s both delightful and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is not just any dessert; it’s a slice of sunshine on your plate. The soft, fluffy texture paired with the zesty orange flavor makes it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. Trust me, once you serve this cake, everyone will be asking for seconds!

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple, wholesome items you probably have in your kitchen already. So let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The fresh orange juice and zest bring a delicious citrusy punch that will brighten your day.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of all levels, even if you’re just starting out.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a birthday or a casual get-together, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cakes in advance and frost them later, making it a great choice for busy schedules.
• Customize Your Color: Want your cake to pop? Add some orange coloring gel for an eye-catching finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are the simple and wholesome ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. Gather them up and let’s get started!

For the Cake

• 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1½ sticks (168g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• ½ cup (120ml) concentrated orange juice, thawed (do not add water)
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
• Zest from one orange (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange extract
• Orange coloring gel (optional, for desired shade)

For the Frosting

• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 16 oz (452g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 7 cups (805g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• Orange coloring gel (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Different Zests: Try using lemon or lime zest instead of orange for a new twist!
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add great texture and flavor to the cake.
• Make It Layered: For an impressive dessert, bake two layers instead of three and stack them high!
• Fruit Fillings: Consider adding layers of fresh fruit or fruit preserves between the cake layers for added sweetness.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Greasing and flouring three 8-inch round cake pans ensures that your cakes come out beautifully without sticking. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper is an extra step that guarantees easy release when it’s time to enjoy your cake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps aerate the flour, leading to lighter cakes—exactly what we want in our Orange Velvet Cake!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, thawed concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange extract, and optional zest until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and rich flavor to our cake.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. This step is crucial as it creates a fluffy base for our batter.

Step 5: Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add in the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until light and fluffy. Incorporating eggs one at a time ensures they blend evenly into the mixture—a key factor for a tender crumb.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Slowly alternate adding the dry mixture and wet mixture into the creamed base—starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mixing just until incorporated helps keep your cake airy.

Step 7: Optional Coloring

If you wish to enhance its color further, now’s the time! Add in some orange coloring gel until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide your batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen as they bake!

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling properly will help maintain their shape when frosting later.

Now you’re ready to frost this beauty! Enjoy every slice of your delightful Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, your Orange Velvet Cake will turn out beautifully!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature ensures they mix together smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy cake texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined helps prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture.

• Check for doneness early – Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

• Cool completely before frosting – Allowing the cakes to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting. This ensures a beautiful presentation and creamy frosting layer.

• Adjust sweetness to taste – Depending on your preference and the sweetness of your orange juice, you may want to adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting for a perfect balance.

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Orange Velvet Cake is an opportunity to be creative! Here are some ideas that will make this dessert shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Orange slices – Fresh orange slices add a vibrant pop of color and reinforce the citrus flavor.
• Candied orange peel – These sweet treats provide an elegant touch and an extra burst of orange zestiness on top of each slice.
• Edible flowers – A few edible flowers can add a charming touch, making your cake look festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream – Light and airy, this dairy-free alternative complements the richness of the cake without overpowering its flavors.

• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a contrast to the sweet cake, balancing out each bite wonderfully.

• Herbal tea – The subtle flavors of herbal tea (like chamomile or mint) can enhance the citrus notes in the cake while providing a soothing accompaniment.

• Vanilla ice cream (dairy-free if needed) – Creamy vanilla ice cream is always a classic pairing that adds richness and makes every slice feel like a special treat.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, ensuring you have a delightful dessert ready for any occasion. Here are some tips on how to store and preserve its freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the cake without frosting; frost it after thawing.

Reheating

• To enjoy a slice of cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place your slice on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until warmed through.

FAQs

You might have some questions about this delicious recipe. Let’s answer a few common ones!

Can I use other fruit juices in the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! While orange juice gives this cake its signature flavor, feel free to experiment with other citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit for a unique twist.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?

You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or by using less granulated sugar in the cake batter. Taste as you go!

What if I don’t have orange extract?

If you don’t have orange extract on hand, you can substitute it with additional orange zest or use vanilla extract for a different but still delicious flavor profile.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap out regular cake flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about baking this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting as I am! It’s such a vibrant and delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every moment of making it and savor each delicious bite. Happy baking!