Orange Velvet Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing, you’ve come to the right place! This Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful treat that brings sunshine into any occasion. Its soft, velvety texture and vibrant orange flavor make it a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply treating yourself on a busy weeknight, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up this moist and flavorful cake. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you’ll find that making an Orange Velvet Cake can be a joyful experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Light Flavor: The bright citrus notes in this cake offer a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with any meal.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen while making this fun and colorful dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration or just an ordinary day, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and store it until you’re ready to serve—it stays moist and flavorful!
• Flexible Serving Options: Enjoy it as a layered cake or turn it into cupcakes for individual treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking! For this Orange Velvet Cake, you’ll need some simple, wholesome items. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert.

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; we used frozen concentrated orange juice)
• 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, used two 8 oz packages 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

Variations

This Orange Velvet Cake recipe is flexible, allowing you to get creative based on your preferences! Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Add Some Spice: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm spice twist.
• Fruit Infusion: Swap out some of the orange juice for lemon juice or add fresh berries between the layers for extra flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
• Frosting Fun: Experiment with different flavored extracts like almond or lemon in your frosting for unique variations.

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Greasing and flouring three 8-inch pans ensures that your beautiful layers come out easily after baking. Lining the bottom with parchment paper adds an extra layer of assurance!

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 helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, which is essential for achieving that perfect rise.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional orange zest. Set this mixture aside as it will add moisture and flavor to your cake.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In your mixer’s bowl, blend together the softened butter and cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. This step creates an airy base that makes your cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Sweeten Up

Gradually add sugar to your mixture while continuing to mix at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into your batter, contributing to that lovely texture we all adore in cakes.

Step 6: Add Eggs One by One

Now it’s time to incorporate those room-temperature eggs! Add them one at a time while mixing until each egg is fully blended in before adding the next. This helps maintain a smooth batter without over-mixing.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

With your mixer set on low speed, alternately add your dry flour mixture and wet milk mixture—starting with flour and ending with flour. This gradual incorporation keeps the batter from becoming tough while ensuring everything mixes together beautifully.

Step 8: Divide Batter Among Pans

Carefully divide your batter evenly between your three prepared pans. A kitchen scale can help ensure even layers if you want to be precise!

Step 9: Bake It Up!

Pop those pans into your preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they’re ready! Allow cooling slightly before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Once cooled completely, frost as desired using our delicious cream cheese frosting recipe above! This Orange Velvet Cake serves approximately 15 people—perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Enjoy every slice of this wonderful creation!

Pro Tips for Making Orange Velvet Cake

Baking can be a wonderful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your Orange Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to that signature velvety texture.

• Sift your flour – Sifting not only aerates the flour but also eliminates any lumps, resulting in a lighter cake.

• Check oven temperature – Ovens can vary, so using an oven thermometer will help you achieve the perfect baking environment. This ensures even baking and helps prevent over or undercooking.

• Don’t skip the cooling step – Allowing your cakes to cool in their pans for a short time before transferring them to a wire rack prevents breakage and preserves their shape.

• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add different extracts or zest from other citrus fruits, like lemon or lime, to customize your Orange Velvet Cake to your taste!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Presenting your Orange Velvet Cake beautifully can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving ideas!

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of light whipped cream on top adds a lovely creaminess that complements the cake’s flavors.
• Fresh orange slices – Thinly sliced oranges not only look stunning but also enhance the cake’s citrus profile.
• Mint leaves – A sprinkle of fresh mint adds color and a refreshing contrast that brightens up each slice.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the tangy orange flavor of the cake, creating a delightful balance.
• Citrus Salad – A light salad made with mixed citrus fruits (like grapefruit and tangerines) brings brightness and freshness that enhances the dessert experience.
• Chocolate Ganache – Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over each slice offers a rich contrast that complements the orange notes perfectly.
• Tea or Coffee – Serving a warm cup of tea or coffee alongside your cake not only adds warmth but also provides a comforting beverage option that pairs wonderfully with dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Orange Velvet Cake will be the star of any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orange Velvet Cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen, and it makes for a delightful treat during busy weeks!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep the cake fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label the container with the date!

Reheating

• For slices, you can let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• Alternatively, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a cozy treat.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious Orange Velvet Cake recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that might help.

Can I make this Orange Velvet Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the regular cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour.

How do I add more orange flavor to my Orange Velvet Cake?

For an extra boost of orange flavor, increase the amount of concentrated orange juice or add additional orange zest. You can also try infusing your frosting with more orange extract.

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrated orange juice?

Yes! If you prefer fresh orange juice, just make sure to use enough to achieve a similar flavor profile. You may need to adjust the sugar slightly since concentrated juice is sweeter.

How should I decorate my Orange Velvet Cake?

Feel free to get creative! A simple cream cheese frosting topped with fresh citrus zest or edible flowers would beautifully complement the cake’s vibrant color and flavor.

How long does this Orange Velvet Cake last?

When stored properly, your Orange Velvet Cake can last up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can last for up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

This Orange Velvet Cake is truly special with its rich texture and refreshing citrus flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a weekday, I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness into your kitchen. Enjoy every moment of making it and savoring each delicious bite—happy baking!