Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as cheerful as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! My Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting has a special place in my heart. Each bite is bursting with zesty orange flavor, making it perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The vibrant color and delightful taste are sure to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces.

What makes this cake truly special is its fluffy texture paired with the creamy frosting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this cake comes together quickly, even on busy days.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet citrus flavor—it’s a hit for all ages!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a weeknight treat, this cake fits right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can bake the layers in advance and frost them later, making meal prep a breeze.
• Deliciously vibrant: The bright orange hue not only looks beautiful but tastes incredible too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for some simple and wholesome ingredients! They come together to create the delightful Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting you’re about to enjoy.

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 very flexible! Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Use different fruits: Swap out the orange juice for lemon or lime juice for a refreshing twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute cake flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
• Build a layered delight: Add layers of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers for extra flavor.

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 ensures that your cakes will release easily after baking. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper adds an extra layer of insurance against sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it helps aerate the flour and ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, thawed concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange extract, and optional orange zest until well combined. Mixing these wet ingredients separately helps achieve a smooth batter without lumps.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. This creates a rich base that will keep your cake moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add in the sugar while beating until light and fluffy. Then incorporate each egg one at a time. This process incorporates air into your mixture and ensures that each egg is fully mixed in before adding another.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually alternate adding your dry mixture and wet mixture into the creamed base. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated; overmixing can make your cake dense instead of fluffy.

Step 7: Add Color if Desired

If you want your cake to have an extra pop of color, add some orange coloring gel at this stage. Just remember that less is more; you can always add more if needed!

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to dryness.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow your cakes to cool in their pans for about 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks. Letting them cool completely before frosting is key to preventing melting!

Now you’re ready to frost and enjoy every delicious slice of your homemade Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting! Happy baking!

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

Baking can be a delightful journey, and with these tips, your Orange Velvet Cake will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that traps air better, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined prevents the development of gluten, which can lead to a dense texture. You want to keep it fluffy!
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Baking times can vary by oven. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
• Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting: If you frost while warm, the frosting may melt. Letting them cool completely ensures your frosting stays beautifully intact.
• Experiment with flavors: While this recipe is delicious as is, you can add different citrus zests or extracts for a unique twist—like lemon or lime—for a refreshing variation!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your Orange Velvet Cake beautifully makes it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Fresh orange slices: Thinly slice fresh oranges and arrange them on top of the cake for a vibrant touch that enhances the citrus theme.
• Candied orange peel: A sprinkle of candied orange peel adds texture and an extra burst of flavor while looking stunning on your dessert.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad: A light mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the cake and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream serves as an indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with the zesty cake.
• Fruit skewers: Fresh fruit skewers with berries and melon not only add color but also offer a healthy balance to your dessert spread.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, rounds out your meal nicely and adds a soothing element after enjoying this delightful cake.

Now that you’re equipped with these tips and serving suggestions, dive into making this delightful Orange Velvet Cake! Enjoy the process and share it with loved ones for sweet moments together.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a fantastic option for meal prep or special occasions! You can make the cake ahead of time and store it, ensuring you always have a delightful dessert ready to share.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap each layer of cake separately in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped layers in an airtight container, or use a large resealable plastic bag.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap.
• For extra protection, wrap the layers in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Unwrap the cake layers and place them on a baking sheet.
• Warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious cake.

Can I make Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it properly as outlined above to maintain its freshness.

What is the best way to store Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?

To keep it fresh, store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it as described.

Can I substitute other flavors for the orange extract?

Yes! You can experiment with other extracts such as lemon or vanilla if you want a different flavor profile while still enjoying that velvety texture.

How long does it take to bake Orange Velvet Cake?

Typically, this cake bakes for about 28-30 minutes. Make sure to check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, doing so may affect the texture and flavor of your frosting. Full-fat cream cheese provides a richer taste and creamier consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is truly special—its vibrant flavor and soft texture are sure to delight anyone who tries it. I hope you enjoy making this cake as much as I do and that it brings joy to your table! Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations—you might inspire someone else along the way. Happy baking!