Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with a citrus zing. This cake is suitable for various occasions, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Its unique flavor and vibrant color make it a standout choice that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of orange juice and zest creates a refreshing flavor profile that brightens any occasion.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a show-stopping cake or cut it into smaller pieces for an afternoon tea treat.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant orange hue and creamy frosting make this cake visually appealing, perfect for special events.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the cream cheese and oil, this cake stays moist and tender, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Orange Velvet Cake requires some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 3 (8-inch) round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Wire racks

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly combining ingredients.
• Sifter: Ensures even distribution of dry ingredients, preventing lumps in your cake mix.
• Wire racks: Allow cakes to cool evenly, which is crucial for maintaining texture.

Ingredients

Orange Velvet Cake is a soft, citrusy dessert with zesty flavor and smooth orange cream cheese frosting. A bright and crowd-pleasing cake—try it today!

For the Cake:

• 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1½ sticks (168g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• ½ cup (120ml) concentrated orange juice, thawed (do not add water)
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
• Zest from one orange (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange extract
• Orange coloring gel (optional, for desired shade)

For the Frosting:

• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 16 oz (452g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 7 cups (805g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• Orange coloring gel (optional)

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the following dry ingredients:
* 3 cups cake flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
* ½ cup milk
* ½ cup concentrated orange juice
* ¼ cup vegetable oil
* 1 tablespoon orange extract
* Zest from one orange

Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
* 1½ sticks unsalted butter
* 8 oz full-fat cream cheese

Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add:
* 2 cups granulated sugar

Continue mixing until light and fluffy. Then incorporate each of the following:
* 4 large eggs

Make sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients with the wet mixture to the creamed base. Start with dry ingredients and end with them. Mix just until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Add Coloring Gel

If using orange coloring gel for a more vibrant color, add it now to achieve your desired shade.

Step 8: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Cakes

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 5–10 minutes. Then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any gathering. Here are some delightful ways to present this vibrant dessert that will impress your guests.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices of the cake on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh orange slices and mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Individual Servings

• Serve small wedges of cake on individual plates, topped with a dollop of extra orange cream cheese frosting for added indulgence.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Crumble leftover cake and layer it in clear cups with orange cream cheese frosting and whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

Afternoon Tea Style

• Pair slices of the cake with a selection of teas, offering a refined experience perfect for brunch or an afternoon gathering.

Celebratory Occasion

• Decorate the cake with edible flowers or themed sprinkles to match special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results with your Orange Velvet Cake, keep these tips in mind. They will help you create a moist and flavorful dessert every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly for a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to maintain the lightness of the cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. An accurate temperature helps the cake bake evenly.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool fully on wire racks before adding frosting. This prevents melting and sliding.
• Add Zest for Extra Flavor: Incorporating orange zest into both the cake and frosting enhances the citrus flavor and adds freshness.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality butter, cream cheese, and pure extracts for the best flavor in your cake.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Velvet Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious dessert.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and complements the citrus notes of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream balances out the tanginess of the orange frosting beautifully.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats add a rich contrast, creating an appealing combination when served together.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, adding savory elements that counterbalance sweetness.
5. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The tropical flavors resonate nicely with orange, providing variety while keeping it fruity.
6. Minted Yogurt Sauce: A cool yogurt sauce infused with mint offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients – Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly. Incorrect measurements can drastically affect the cake’s texture and taste.
• Ignoring cooling times – Allow the cakes to cool properly in the pans before transferring them to wire racks. This prevents breaking or crumbling.
• Skipping the frosting step – Don’t forget to frost between layers! The orange cream cheese frosting enhances the flavor and adds moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• item Wrap slices in plastic wrap or foil for individual servings, ensuring freshness.

Freezing Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• item Place the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, before freezing for up to 3 months.
• item For frosted cakes, freeze on a baking sheet until firm before wrapping to prevent smudging.

Reheating Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat. Cover it and warm each slice for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavors by adding extra orange zest or using fresh orange juice instead of concentrate.

Can I use different frosting recipes?

Absolutely! While orange cream cheese frosting is delicious, you could also try vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache as alternatives.

How long does the Orange Velvet Cake stay fresh?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, it remains fresh for up to 5 days. If frozen, it maintains quality for about 3 months.

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

Consider adding candied orange slices or zest on top of your orange cream cheese frosting for decoration. Edible flowers also add charm!

Final Thoughts

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize this recipe by adjusting sweetness or adding different flavors like lemon or lime. It’s perfect for any occasion—so why not give it a try?

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Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting—a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of orange with a refreshing citrus twist. Perfect for birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion, this cake stands out with its eye-catching color and luscious frosting. The moist texture and zesty flavor create an irresistible treat that will leave your guests craving more. Easy to make, this recipe is suitable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this delightful cake.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
• 1½ sticks unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups cake flour
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup concentrated orange juice
• Zest from one orange (optional)
• 3 sticks unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 7 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift together dry ingredients in one bowl; whisk wet ingredients in another.
3. Cream butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add sugar and eggs.
4. Combine dry and wet mixtures, mixing until just incorporated.
5. Divide batter into pans and bake for 28–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool cakes completely before frosting with the orange cream cheese mixture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg