Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only delicious but also brings a touch of sunshine to your table, this Orange Velvet Cake is just the ticket! Its soft, velvety texture and refreshing orange flavor make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a joyful family gathering, this cake will surely impress. Every bite is like a hug from the inside!

What makes this cake truly special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need fancy techniques—just simple ingredients and a bit of love. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Velvety: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bursting with Flavor: The refreshing orange flavor brightens up any day and is perfect for spring or summer celebrations.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert without stress.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or just because you deserve something sweet!
• Make Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this Orange Velvet Cake. You might already have many of these staples in your kitchen!

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) – 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
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (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

The beauty of this Orange Velvet Cake is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful contrast to the orange flavor.
• Infuse with Other Citrus: Swap out some orange juice for lemon or lime juice for a citrus medley that excites the palate.
• Top with Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries or slices of oranges to add color and freshness on top of your frosting.
• Use Different Extracts: Experiment with almond or coconut extract in place of orange extract to create unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Greasing and flouring three 8-inch pans ensures that your cake layers come out smoothly without sticking. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper adds an extra layer of protection.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step combines all leavening agents with the flour so they distribute evenly throughout the batter, helping your cake rise perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional zest. Setting this mixture aside allows flavors to meld together before adding them to the batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cheese

In your mixer’s bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Mixing them at medium speed until smooth creates a creamy base that helps build structure in the cake while keeping it moist.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Gradually incorporate sugar into the butter-cream cheese mixture while continuing to mix at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This process traps air into the mixture which helps give your cake its light texture.

Step 6: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add each egg one at a time into the mixture, mixing until each yolk disappears. This step ensures thorough incorporation of eggs which provides richness to your cake.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry flour mixture and wet milk mixture into the batter—start with flour and finish with flour. This method prevents overmixing which could lead to too dense of a cake. Just mix until combined!

Step 8: Divide Batter into Pans

Carefully divide the batter between your prepared pans evenly. This way, all layers bake uniformly without needing adjustments later.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Let them cool in their pans on a wire rack before turning them out—this keeps them from breaking apart.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe yields approximately eight cups of batter—enough for three beautiful layers! If you’re feeling adventurous, use any leftover batter to make cupcakes; they may not dome much but will still be delicious!

Now you’re ready to enjoy making this delightful Orange Velvet Cake! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Making an Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll be sure to impress everyone at the table!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature allows them to blend more smoothly into the batter, which helps create that signature velvety texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the cake from becoming dense. A light hand here preserves the airiness that makes this cake so special.

• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended time. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for perfect results.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cakes to cool fully ensures that your frosting won’t melt off when you apply it. This keeps your layers intact and beautifully presented.

• Experiment with flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other citrus zest like lemon or lime to enhance the flavor profile of the cake. Just remember to balance it with some extra sweetness if needed!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Serving your Orange Velvet Cake can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh orange slices: Arrange thinly sliced fresh oranges around the base of the cake for a vibrant and fresh touch.
• Edible flowers: Add a few edible flowers on top or around the plate for a beautiful pop of color that complements the orange hues.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the zesty flavors of the cake, providing a cool contrast.
• Berry compote: A mixed berry compote adds a sweet-tart element that enhances the orange flavor while also adding a splash of color on the plate.
• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy whipped coconut cream is an excellent dairy-free option that complements the richness of the Orange Velvet Cake perfectly.
• Tea or coffee: Offering a warm beverage like herbal tea or coffee brings together all elements of dessert time, balancing out sweetness with warmth.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to create a stunning Orange Velvet Cake that’s sure to delight everyone who tries it! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep, whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want to indulge yourself over the week. It’s easy to make in advance and store, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavor even on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• If covered well, it can last up to 3 days without drying out.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Label with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• To enjoy warm, microwave slices for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through (don’t overheat!).

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up when making this delicious cake.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Orange Velvet Cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular cake flour. Additionally, if you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.

How do I achieve the best texture for my Orange Velvet Cake?

The key is to ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that results in a moist and velvety texture.

What flavors pair well with Orange Velvet Cake?

Orange Velvet Cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting or a light vanilla glaze. You can also add layers of fresh fruits like berries or serve it with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for extra delight!

How can I make this Orange Velvet Cake more orange-flavored?

To enhance the orange flavor, increase the amount of concentrated orange juice or zest you use. You could also incorporate orange extract into both the cake and frosting.

Can I make cupcakes from this Orange Velvet Cake recipe?

Yes! This recipe is versatile enough to be made into cupcakes. Just remember they will have little to no dome due to the batter’s consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Orange Velvet Cake as much as I do! Its rich and refreshing flavor combined with that soft, velvety texture makes it truly special. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!