Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress, look no further than this Orange Velvet Cake! With its soft, velvety texture and vibrant orange flavor, it’s a treat that brightens any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day, this cake is perfect for all those moments when you want something sweet and refreshing.

What really makes this recipe special is how easy it is to put together. You’ll love how the rich flavors of cream cheese and orange blend perfectly to create a cake that’s not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. Let’s dive into why this Orange Velvet Cake will become your new go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect even for beginners.
• Family Favorite: The bright orange flavor and moist texture are sure to please everyone at the table.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive celebration.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake ahead of time and store in the fridge; it gets even better as it sits!
• Impressive Presentation: Layered with creamy frosting, it looks stunning on any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Orange Velvet Cake uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. You’ll be amazed at how these ingredients transform into such a delightful treat.

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)
• 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, we used canola 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 (two 8 oz packages)
• 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, optional

Variations

This Orange Velvet Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to give it your own twist:

• Add Some Spice: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor twist.
• Citrus Twist: Combine lemon or lime juice with the orange juice for an extra zing!
• Nuts Galore: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
• Fruit Fillings: Layer between cakes with fresh berries or slices of citrus for added freshness.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Greasing and flouring three 8-inch pans ensures that our cake won’t stick once it’s baked. Lining the bottom with parchment paper gives an extra layer of protection against sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds. This step is important as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional zest. Setting this aside allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In your mixer bowl, combine softened butter and cream cheese. Mix at medium speed until smooth. This creates a rich base for our cake that adds moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add in the sugar while mixing at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the mixture which contributes to a light texture.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add in your room-temperature eggs one at a time. Mixing until each yolk disappears ensures even incorporation into the batter. If you’re using coloring gel, now’s a great time to add it!

Step 7: Alternate Dry and Wet Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, begin adding the dry flour mixture alternately with the wet milk mixture—starting and ending with flour. This method prevents overmixing while ensuring everything combines just right.

Step 8: Divide Batter into Pans

Carefully divide your delicious batter between the three prepared pans. It’s always exciting to see how pretty they look before going into the oven!

Step 9: Bake Until Perfect

Bake in your preheated oven for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Cool in pans for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, layer your cakes with fluffy frosting made from cream cheese and butter. Decorate as desired!

And there you have it—a delightful Orange Velvet Cake that will surely be loved by everyone who tries it! Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Baking this delightful Orange Velvet Cake is a joy, and a few handy tips will ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature helps them blend smoothly, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the desired velvety texture.

• Invest in good quality orange extract: The flavor of your cake hinges on the quality of your ingredients. A high-quality orange extract enhances the citrus notes, making every bite refreshing and flavorful.

• Cool cakes completely before frosting: Allowing your cakes to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off. This is key to achieving that beautiful finish.

• Customize with color: If you’re feeling creative, use orange coloring gel to tint your frosting or batter. This adds an eye-catching element that makes your cake even more inviting!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Serving this luscious Orange Velvet Cake can be as creative as you want! Here are some delightful ways to present it that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Orange Slices: Thinly slice fresh oranges and arrange them on top of the cake for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a rich, creamy contrast that complements the citrus beautifully.
• Candied Orange Peel: Sprinkle some candied orange peel on top for an elegant touch that also provides a sweet crunch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy counterpart that balances the citrusy flavors of the cake perfectly.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake and enhances its fruity notes.
• Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and pairs beautifully with the moist orange layers.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, complements the cake’s sweetness while offering a soothing finish to your dessert experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to create a stunning Orange Velvet Cake that’s sure to impress at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your cake fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the wrapped slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If you prefer warm cake, microwave a slice on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

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

What makes Orange Velvet Cake different from regular cake?

Orange Velvet Cake stands out due to its moist texture and vibrant flavor profile, which comes from concentrated orange juice and zest. This combination provides a unique twist compared to traditional cakes.

Can I use a different type of flour for Orange Velvet Cake?

While this recipe calls for cake flour for its light texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that your cake may not be as tender.

How do I know when my Orange Velvet Cake is done baking?

To check if your Orange Velvet Cake is ready, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is done!

Can I make cupcakes with this Orange Velvet Cake recipe?

Yes! This recipe works great for cupcakes too. Just note that they will have little to no dome due to the batter consistency.

What’s the best way to decorate my Orange Velvet Cake?

You can top your Orange Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Adding candied orange slices or zest can also enhance its appearance!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Orange Velvet Cake as much as I do! Its rich flavors and velvety texture make it truly special—a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!