Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both luscious and refreshing, then this Orange Velvet Cake is just the treat for you! With its soft, velvety texture and bright orange flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight craving, a family gathering, or a special celebration, this delightful dessert will surely impress your loved ones.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up. The combination of cream cheese and butter in the cake gives it an irresistible richness while the orange juice adds a refreshing zing. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this Orange Velvet Cake has become one of my absolute favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Refreshing: The vibrant orange flavor makes each bite feel like sunshine on your taste buds!
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll enjoy baking without feeling overwhelmed.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to casual get-togethers, this cake fits right in.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the moistness and sweetness of this cake.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance and store it for gatherings—it holds up beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Velvet Cake comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Gather these items for a delightful baking experience!

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 (805g—adjust slightly up or down to your liking)
• Orange Coloring Gel (Optional. We used a very small amount for tinting.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Orange Velvet Cake is its flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add a twist: Try incorporating lemon zest or juice along with the orange for a citrus medley!
• Mix it up: Swap some of the cake flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and unique texture.
• Fruity addition: Toss in some fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter before baking for added fruitiness.
• Change the frosting: Use whipped coconut cream instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. This is crucial as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans—don’t forget to line them with parchment paper at the bottom; it helps with easy removal later!

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds. This step lightens the mixture and ensures that all dry ingredients are well combined before adding them to your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional orange zest. Setting this aside allows all those lovely flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In your mixer bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat at medium speed until smooth—this creates that rich texture you want in your cake.

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

Gradually mix in the sugar at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This process helps aerate the mixture which contributes to that wonderful moistness we love!

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add room temperature eggs one at a time while mixing until each yolk disappears into the batter. If you’re using any coloring gel here is also a great time to add it.

Step 7: Alternate Adding Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, alternately add in the dry flour mixture and wet milk mixture—start with the flour and end with it too! Do this gently until everything is just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake.

Step 8: Divide & Bake

Evenly divide your batter among the three prepared pans. Bake at 325 degrees F for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allow cooling in pans on wire racks for about 5-10 minutes before turning out onto racks completely.

With these steps completed, you’re well on your way to enjoying an unforgettable Orange Velvet Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Creating the perfect Orange Velvet Cake is all about attention to detail and a little bit of love! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend seamlessly, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt not only removes any lumps but also aerates the mixture, giving your cake that light, velvety texture we all adore.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the airy texture we aim for.

• Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

• Let it cool completely: Allowing the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps maintain moisture, ensuring your cake stays soft and delicious.

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Serving your Orange Velvet Cake can be just as delightful as baking it! With its vibrant color and rich flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun ways to present it:

Garnishes

• Fresh orange slices: Adding thin slices of fresh orange on top not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the citrus flavor.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of non-dairy whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cake while making it look extra inviting.
• Edible flowers: Sprinkling some edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums around the cake can elevate its presentation, making it feel special and festive.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the citrus notes of the cake, creating a creamy contrast that’s simply irresistible.
• Citrus Salad: A light salad made with various citrus fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing complements the flavors of the Orange Velvet Cake while adding freshness.
• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling rich chocolate ganache over slices of Orange Velvet Cake creates an indulgent combination that balances sweetness with depth.
• Herb-Infused Tea: Serving slices with a cup of herbal tea—like chamomile or mint—enhances the overall experience and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Enjoy each slice of this delightful dessert knowing that you’ve created something truly special!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it properly, and enjoy it fresh whenever you like. Here’s how to keep your delicious cake at its best:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover frosting, keep it in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze the cake layers, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• For frosted cakes, place them in the freezer for about an hour until the frosting is firm. Then wrap them as mentioned above.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Orange Velvet Cake:

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

Yes! While cake flour gives the best texture, you can substitute with all-purpose flour. Just be sure to sift it well before measuring to ensure lightness.

How should I store Orange Velvet Cake?

Store your Orange Velvet Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. Ensure it’s well-covered to maintain moisture!

Can I make Orange Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and frost the cake a day or two ahead of when you’ll serve it. Just store it properly to keep it fresh.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

You can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) as a substitute if you’d like an egg-free version.

Is there a way to adjust the sweetness of my Orange Velvet Cake?

Definitely! You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly according to your taste preference or use less powdered sugar when making the frosting.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Orange Velvet Cake as much as I do! Its rich flavor and velvety texture make it a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress. Happy baking, and may every slice brighten your day!