Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cake that’s as delightful as it is refreshing, then let me share my favorite recipe: Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is a celebration of bright citrus flavors and velvety texture that will make your taste buds dance with joy. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet treat to brighten up a busy weeknight. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this cake has become such a cherished recipe in my kitchen.

Every layer of this Orange Velvet Cake is infused with zesty orange goodness, topped off with the most luscious orange cream cheese frosting. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience! The soft, moist cake pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This cake comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques—perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike adore the bright flavor and fluffy texture of this cake. It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake the cake layers in advance and frost them just before serving. That way, you can enjoy more time with your guests!
• Deliciously Versatile: Whether it’s for birthdays or holidays, this cake fits right in any celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry! Gather these items to create your delicious Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.

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

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas if you want to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the cake.
• Try different citrus: Substitute lemon or lime juice for orange juice for a unique twist!
• Make it chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to half the batter for a marbled effect.
• Top it off differently: Instead of frosting, serve slices with whipped coconut cream for a lighter option.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Greasing and flouring three 8-inch round cake pans helps ensure that your cakes release easily after baking. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper adds an extra layer of security!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step aerates the flour and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, which helps your cakes rise beautifully.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, thawed concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange extract, and optional zest until well combined. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together before they meet the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. This creates a rich base for your batter that will give your cake its velvety texture.

Step 5: Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add in the sugar while beating until light and fluffy. Incorporating each egg one at a time ensures they blend in smoothly without curdling your mixture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually alternate adding the dry mixture and wet mixture into the creamed base—start and end with dry ingredients. Mixing just until incorporated prevents overworking the batter, which keeps your cake tender.

Step 7: Optional Coloring

If using orange coloring gel, now’s the time to add it! A little bit can really enhance that vibrant color we love in our cakes.

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake them for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 9: Cool Down

Once baked, let your cakes cool in their pans for about 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly before icing!

Now you’re ready to assemble and frost your delightful Orange Velvet Cake! Enjoy every bite of this cheerful dessert!

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

Baking can be a delightful adventure, so here are some tips to ensure your Orange Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing eggs, butter, and cream cheese to come to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter cake.

• Sift the dry ingredients: This step not only removes lumps but also aerates the flour, which contributes to a fluffier cake texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the cake’s lightness. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid in this velvety treat.

• Check for doneness early: Every oven is different! Start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when the cakes are done.

• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensures beautifully layered slices that hold their shape when served.

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your cake in an appealing way enhances the experience for everyone. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dessert!

Garnishes

• Fresh orange slices: A few thinly sliced oranges on top of each slice add a burst of color and freshness that complements the cake’s flavor.
• Edible flowers: Consider using edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums for a stunning visual appeal that makes your cake look extra special.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the citrus flavors of the cake, adding a cool contrast that balances sweetness.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy coconut cream adds another layer of flavor that blends well with the cake’s richness while keeping it dairy-free.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with berries, melon, and citrus will enhance the citrus theme and add a refreshing touch.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint provides a soothing balance to the sweet flavors of the cake and makes for a cozy pairing.

Enjoy making and sharing your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it to enjoy later, ensuring you always have a slice of happiness on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the cake without frosting if possible.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm slice, heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent my Orange Velvet Cake from drying out?

To keep your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting moist, make sure not to overbake it. Additionally, you can brush the layers with simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water before frosting.

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrated orange juice?

Absolutely! Fresh orange juice can be used; just ensure you adjust the quantity to maintain the same level of flavor.

How do I achieve a vibrant color in my Orange Velvet Cake?

Adding orange coloring gel will help achieve that lovely hue. Start with a small amount and mix until you reach your desired shade.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine! It’s such a special dessert that combines vibrant flavors and a lovely texture. Enjoy making this delightful cake and share it with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like brightening someone’s day with a slice of homemade goodness. Happy baking!