Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that’s not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes, you’ve come to the right place! This Orange Velvet Cake is truly something special. With its bright, sunny color and rich, velvety texture, it’s a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family get-together, or just want to treat yourself on a busy weeknight, this cake fits the bill perfectly!

What makes it even better is how simple it is to whip up. You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just your trusty mixer and some love will do! Plus, the refreshing orange flavor adds an uplifting twist that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Refreshing: The bright orange flavor makes every bite feel like sunshine on your palate.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, or even just a cozy dessert after dinner—this cake shines at every event.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love getting involved in the decorating process!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake the layers ahead of time and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Orange Velvet Cake:

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)
• 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 (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 (805g – adjust slightly up or down to your liking)
• Orange coloring gel (Optional – we used a very small amount for tinting)

Variations

This Orange Velvet Cake is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Some Spice: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm spice note.
• Mix in Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and richness.
• Fruit Layers: Add fresh berries between the cake layers for an extra fruity twist!
• Cream Cheese Swirls: Swirl some cream cheese frosting into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans; lining them with parchment paper is also a great idea! This ensures easy removal later on.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents so your cake rises beautifully!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine milk, vegetable oil, concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional zest. This mixture brings all those delightful flavors together.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cheese

In your mixer bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. This step creates that creamy texture that gives our cake its signature velvet feel.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly mix in the sugar at medium speed over about 2-3 minutes until fluffy. This incorporation of air into your mixture is key to achieving that light texture!

Step 6: Add Eggs One by One

Add each egg one at a time until well blended. Each egg enriches the batter further—watch as it becomes wonderfully smooth!

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and milk mixture—start with flour and end with flour. This technique helps maintain that airy quality while ensuring everything combines seamlessly.

Step 8: Divide Batter

Evenly divide your luscious batter among the prepared pans.

Step 9: Bake Away!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in their pans for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Once cooled completely, you can frost this beauty with our creamy frosting recipe. And remember—the yield is approximately enough for 15 servings! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Creating the perfect Orange Velvet Cake is all about a few key techniques that ensure your cake turns out moist and full of flavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve that velvety texture!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature allows them to blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and ultimately a more tender cake.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake as it develops gluten in the flour.

• Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cake for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting off and helps maintain the cake’s beautiful structure.

• Experiment with Color: If you’re looking for that perfect shade of orange, start with a tiny amount of coloring gel. You can always add more if needed, but it’s harder to correct if you’ve added too much!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Serving your Orange Velvet Cake can be as delightful as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this delicious dessert into an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh Orange Slices: Thinly slice fresh oranges to add a vibrant touch and complement the flavors of your cake.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds an airy texture and enhances the tropical vibes.
• Candied Orange Peel: For an extra zing and crunch, sprinkle some candied orange peel on top; it’s both beautiful and tasty!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a rich contrast to the citrus flavor of the cake.
• Berry Compote: The tartness of mixed berries cooked down into a compote adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the Orange Velvet Cake.
• Citrus Salad: A light citrus salad made from mixed grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines complements the cake beautifully while keeping things fresh.
• Herbal Tea: Serve alongside a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint for a cozy pairing that enhances the dessert experience.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, your Orange Velvet Cake will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep or special occasions! Its rich flavors make it an excellent choice to prepare in advance, allowing you to enjoy it fresh without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.

FAQs

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

Can I make Orange Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly as mentioned above, and it will remain delicious.

What makes Orange Velvet Cake different from regular cake?

Orange Velvet Cake stands out due to its unique velvety texture and vibrant orange flavor, thanks to ingredients like concentrated orange juice and zest.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Orange Velvet Cake?

You can enhance the flavor by adding more orange zest or using high-quality orange extract. Feel free to experiment with the amount based on your taste preference!

Can I use other fruit juices instead of orange juice?

Yes! You can substitute with lemon or any other citrus juices. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall flavor profile of your cake.

What is the best way to decorate my Orange Velvet Cake?

Try topping your cake with cream cheese frosting infused with orange extract or fresh fruit garnishes like orange slices for a lovely presentation!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating this delightful Orange Velvet Cake as much as I do! Its luscious texture and refreshing flavor make it a truly special dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share your experience and any variations you try—I’d love to hear from you! Happy baking!