Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe for Orange Velvet Cake! This delightful dessert is not only moist and rich but also boasts a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or just treating yourself on a busy weeknight, this cake is sure to impress.

What makes this Orange Velvet Cake even more special is its soft, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. You’ll find it’s simple to whip up, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can make this cake without any baking experience.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the fun orange flavor, and it’s a fantastic way to get them involved in baking!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Celebrate birthdays, holidays, or just because—this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake ahead of time and store it; the flavors only get better with a day or two!
• Customizable Delight: Add your own twist with different flavorings or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Velvet Cake comes together with some simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious 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 (to save time you can warm them in a bowl of very warm water for 5 min)
• 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 (Do not add water.)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (54g) – we used canola oil
• 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, full fat)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract (4g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• 7 cups Powdered Sugar, adjusted slightly up or down to your liking (805g)
• Orange Coloring Gel for tinting. (Optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Orange Velvet Cake is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Some Spice: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm flavor twist.
• Change Up the Citrus: Substitute lemon or lime juice for a different citrus kick.
• Top It Off with Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh orange slices or berries for added color and flavor.
• Make Cupcakes Instead: Use the same batter to create delightful cupcakes—perfect for parties!

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour three 8 inch pans. A little tip: lining the bottoms with parchment paper helps ensure nothing sticks!

Step 2: Prep the 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 these dry ingredients are well combined and helps create a lighter cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional orange zest. Setting these aside allows their flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In your mixer bowl, add the softened butter and cream cheese. Mix at medium speed until smooth—this creates a lovely base that will give your cake its rich texture.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add in the sugar while mixing on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs One at a Time

Add each egg individually while mixing until each yolk disappears. If you want to use Orange Coloring Gel for an extra pop of color, feel free to add it now!

Step 7: Alternate Dry and Wet Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and wet milk mixture—starting and ending with flour. This helps keep everything well mixed without overworking the batter.

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide your batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake at 325 degrees F for about 28-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool on wire racks before turning them out of their pans.

Step 9: Frosting Time!

While your cakes cool down completely, let’s prepare that delicious frosting! In another bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until fluffy. Then stir in vanilla extract, orange extract, and salt.

Now you’re ready to assemble! Spread frosting between layers and around the sides of your cooled cakes. Enjoy every bite of this luscious Orange Velvet Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll create the perfect Orange Velvet Cake!

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

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the cake from becoming dense. Overmixing activates gluten in the flour, which isn’t ideal for cakes.

• Check for doneness carefully: Every oven is different! Start checking your cake a few minutes before the timer goes off by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

• Cool the layers properly: Allowing the cakes to cool in their pans on a wire rack ensures they maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming soggy.

• Experiment with flavor: Feel free to add extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the orange flavor. A pinch of zest can also give your cake an extra zing!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Serving your Orange Velvet Cake beautifully can turn this delightful dessert into a centerpiece for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to present it that will impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Fresh Orange Slices: A few thin slices of fresh orange on top not only look beautiful but also add a burst of freshness.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a creamy contrast and complements the orange flavor wonderfully.
• Edible Flowers: These can add an elegant touch and make your presentation pop with color.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream balances perfectly with the bright orange flavors of the cake.
• Berry Compote: A warm berry compote made from mixed berries brings a tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
• Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons offer a nice texture contrast and pair well with citrus desserts.
• Mint Salad: A light mint salad with fresh herbs adds a refreshing element that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cake.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to wow your guests and enjoy every bite of this luscious Orange Velvet Cake!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it in advance and store it for later, making it a convenient and delightful treat for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap each layer in plastic wrap to keep it moist.
• Store the wrapped layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze unfrosted cakes; if frosted, ensure the frosting is completely set before wrapping.

Reheating

• If you have frozen layers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• To refresh a day-old cake, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Enjoy!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delectable Orange Velvet Cake.

Can I make Orange Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them properly. They will still taste fresh when you’re ready to serve them.

What makes Orange Velvet Cake different from regular orange cake?

Orange Velvet Cake has a unique velvety texture due to the combination of cream cheese and butter, giving it a rich flavor that sets it apart from traditional orange cakes.

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of orange?

Yes! You can experiment with lemon or lime juice and zest for a refreshing twist on this recipe while maintaining that delicious velvet texture.

How can I achieve a brighter orange color in my cake?

Adding a small amount of orange coloring gel during mixing can enhance the vibrant hue of your Orange Velvet Cake without altering its flavor.

Is there a gluten-free option for Orange Velvet Cake?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add some separately to achieve the desired texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Orange Velvet Cake as I am! Its soft, velvety texture combined with the refreshing flavor of orange makes it truly special. Whether you’re celebrating a big occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your delightful creations with friends and family!