Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delightful and memorable, you’ve come to the right place! This Orange Velvet Cake is a family favorite in my home. Its soft, velvety texture combined with the bright flavor of orange makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this cake will quickly become a beloved staple.

What makes this Orange Velvet Cake extra special is not just its taste but also how easy it is to make! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again. Plus, the vibrant color and rich flavor are sure to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Velvety Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a cake that’s rich yet light.
• Bursting with Flavor: The fresh orange juice and zest give this cake a refreshing twist that’s perfect for any season.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious cake in no time!
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a simple dessert at home or dress it up for special occasions.
• Fun for Everyone: Kids love the bright color and taste, making it a hit with all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Orange Velvet Cake is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients. You may already have most of them in your kitchen! Here’s what you need:

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- 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 (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 (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; we used a very small amount for tinting)

Variations

This Orange Velvet Cake is wonderfully versatile! Here are some fun ways to customize it:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Mix in Spices: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm twist.
• Create Layers: Consider splitting the batter into four pans instead of three for thinner layers.
• Top with Fresh Fruit: Garnish the frosted cake with slices of fresh oranges or berries for an extra pop!

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start! While it heats up, take a moment to grease and flour three 8-inch pans. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper will make removing the cakes so much easier later on.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps incorporate air into your dry ingredients which contributes to that lovely fluffy texture we love in cakes!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional zest. Stir these together gently; combining wet ingredients beforehand allows their flavors to meld beautifully before joining them with the dry mix.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In your mixer bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. This creamy mixture sets the stage for a moist cake by ensuring even fat distribution throughout.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add sugar while mixing at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until well blended. This process helps dissolve the sugar thoroughly which leads to an even sweetness throughout your cake.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add each egg one at a time into your mixture; mix until just combined after each addition. It’s key not to overmix here—this step allows each egg to aerate properly without losing that lovely velvety texture.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding your flour mixture and milk mixture—starting and ending with flour. Mixing just until combined prevents overworking the batter which could lead to a denser cake.

Step 8: Divide Batter & Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Bake at 325 degrees F for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen during baking will be irresistible!

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let your cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto the rack completely. Once cooled completely, frost with your delicious cream cheese frosting!

Enjoy sharing this delightful Orange Velvet Cake with loved ones—it’s bound to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Making the perfect Orange Velvet Cake is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out velvety smooth and bursting with flavor.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your eggs, cream cheese, and butter to come to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures better emulsification, resulting in a moist cake.

• Sift the flour: Sifting your cake flour before measuring can prevent lumps and aerate the flour, leading to a lighter texture in your final cake.

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

• Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary! Always use a toothpick to check that your cake is done; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached for the perfect moistness.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing your cakes to cool fully on wire racks prevents melting of the frosting and helps maintain that beautiful layered look when you stack them.

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Serving your Orange Velvet Cake is just as important as making it! With a little creativity, you can make this delicious dessert shine at any gathering. Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Fresh orange slices: A simple yet elegant touch, fresh orange slices add color and a burst of citrus flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
• Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a luscious texture on top of each slice, enhancing the overall experience without overpowering the orange flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the zesty notes of orange velvet cake, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
• Citrus salad: A refreshing citrus salad made with various fruits like grapefruit and tangerines can balance the richness of the cake while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Herbed tea: A delicate herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, can provide a soothing contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making for a lovely afternoon treat.
• Coffee or espresso: The bold flavors of coffee or espresso enhance dessert time, contrasting beautifully with the bright orange notes from your cake.

Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful Orange Velvet Cake! Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or an indulgent weekend treat, it’s bound to impress friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep or entertaining, as you can prepare it in advance and store it for later enjoyment. Here are some practical tips on how to keep your delicious cake fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, you can reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a more even warming, place the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Orange Velvet Cake:

Can I make Orange Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made ahead of time and stored as mentioned above. It’s great for celebrations when you want to minimize last-minute stress.

What makes Orange Velvet Cake different from other cakes?

Orange Velvet Cake is unique due to its velvety texture and refreshing orange flavor. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a moist and rich dessert that stands out!

Can I substitute the orange extract?

Yes! If you don’t have orange extract, you can use lemon extract or simply increase the amount of concentrated orange juice for additional flavor.

How do I achieve a vibrant color for my Orange Velvet Cake?

You can add orange coloring gel during mixing to enhance the color. Start with a small amount and adjust until you reach your desired shade.

Can I use gluten-free flour instead of cake flour?

Yes! You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Orange Velvet Cake brings a touch of joy to your kitchen! Its delightful flavor and soft texture make it a truly special dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy baking this treat, and don’t hesitate to share your creations! Happy baking!