Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, then this Orange Velvet Cake is just what you need! Named for its soft, velvety texture, this cake brings a burst of citrus flavor that feels refreshing with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delightful dessert after dinner, this cake is perfect for any gathering.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, whether it’s for busy weeknights or family get-togethers. So let’s dive into the world of fluffy cake goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of orange juice and zest gives this cake a bright and refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even novice bakers can master this beautiful dessert.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a slice of Orange Velvet Cake! It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Be it birthdays, holidays, or just a Tuesday night treat, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it ahead of time and frost it later, making preparation stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Orange Velvet Cake, you’ll want to gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you will need:

For the Cake

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (226g; we used one 8 oz package, full fat)
• 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 – see Notes for substitution (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 (we used frozen concentrated orange juice – do not add water)
• 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 (we used two 8 oz packages cream cheese, full fat)
• 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 for tinting

Variations

This Orange Velvet Cake recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your dessert:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: For a twist on the classic recipe, try folding in some dark chocolate chips before baking.
• Try Different Citrus: Swap out the orange juice for lemon or lime juice for a different citrus flair!
• Experiment with Frosting Flavors: Use lemon frosting instead of cream cheese frosting for a zesty surprise!

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. While that’s warming up, grease and flour three 8-inch pans. Lining the bottom with parchment paper helps ensure your cakes come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Whisk 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 your dry ingredients are well combined and evenly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional orange zest. Mixing these ingredients together creates a flavorful base that will infuse your cake with delightful citrus notes.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In the bowl of your mixer, add the softened butter and cream cheese. Mix at medium speed until smooth. This forms the creamy foundation of your cake batter and adds richness.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Next, gradually add the sugar while mixing at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until combined. This process helps achieve a light texture by incorporating air into your batter.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs One at a Time

Add each room-temperature egg one at a time while mixing until you no longer see any yellow yolk. If you’re using coloring gel for an extra pop of color now’s the time to add it!

Step 7: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk mixture starting and ending with flour. This gentle mixing method keeps your batter light and airy—just what we want in our Orange Velvet Cake!

Step 8: Divide Batter

Carefully divide the batter among your three prepared pans. This will allow each layer to bake evenly.

Step 9: Bake Your Cakes

Bake at 325 degrees F for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached. Let them cool in their pans on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto the rack.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Your Orange Velvet Cake is now ready! With approximately eight cups of batter made from scratch goodness, feel free to make cupcakes too—though they may have little to no dome! Enjoy every delicious slice!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Making an Orange Velvet Cake can be a delightful experience, especially when you have some handy tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them incorporate better, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mixing the batter until just combined helps maintain that airy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cakes about 2-3 minutes before the recommended baking time. This ensures your cakes are moist and not overbaked.

• Cool layers completely: Allow the cake layers to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps everything looking neat and beautiful.

• Experiment with flavor: While this recipe is delicious as written, feel free to adjust the orange extract or add additional citrus zest for a more vibrant flavor profile!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Serving your Orange Velvet Cake can be as much fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

• Fresh orange slices: A few thin slices of fresh orange on top not only add color but also enhance that zesty flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, top with whipped coconut cream sprinkled with orange zest for a light and refreshing finish.

Side Dishes

• Coconut sorbet: The creamy texture of coconut sorbet complements the velvety cake while adding a cool contrast that’s perfect for warmer days.
• Mixed berry compote: A warm berry compote brings sweetness and acidity that pairs beautifully with the rich orange flavors of the cake.
• Vanilla ice cream: A classic choice that adds creaminess; it’s delightful against the tangy notes of the cake.
• Mint salad: A simple mint salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh, herbal contrast that balances the richness of the dessert.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing friends and family with your gorgeous Orange Velvet Cake! Enjoy every moment of your baking journey.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert whenever the craving strikes. You can prepare it in advance, store it, and even freeze it for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness for about a week.
• To prevent the frosting from softening, cover the cake with plastic wrap or a cake dome.

Freezing

• Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.
• Place wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place the slice on an oven-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

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

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

Yes, while this recipe calls for cake flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour if necessary. However, the texture may be slightly denser.

How do I achieve a richer flavor in my Orange Velvet Cake?

To enhance the flavor of your Orange Velvet Cake, consider adding extra orange zest or using fresh orange juice instead of concentrated juice.

Can I make this Orange Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers in advance and store them as indicated above. This makes it easy to assemble and frost when you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free cake flour blend to make an equally delightful gluten-free version of your Orange Velvet Cake.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pans?

Always grease and flour your pans before pouring in the batter. Using parchment paper at the bottom also helps ensure easy removal after baking.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Velvet Cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience! With its soft texture and refreshing orange flavor, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert as much as I do—each bite is a little piece of happiness! Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family; they’ll thank you!