Create the Perfect Orange Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting

Indulge in the luscious flavors of Orange Velvet Cake – a moist, tender crumb infused with bright citrus notes, paired with a creamy, tangy orange cream cheese frosting. This showstopping dessert is a must-try for any occasion, from celebrations to cozy gatherings. Get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible combination of velvet cake and creamy frosting.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Orange Velvet 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
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• Zest from one orange (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange extract
• Orange coloring gel (optional)

Ingredients for Orange Cream Cheese 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
• Orange coloring gel (optional)

Instructions for Baking the Orange Velvet Cake

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and mix until the batter is light and fluffy. One by one, incorporate the eggs, mixing well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk/orange juice mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Stir in the vegetable oil, orange zest, orange extract, and coloring gel (if using).

Pour the batter into your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, orange extract, and salt, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the desired consistency is reached. If desired, add a few drops of orange coloring gel to achieve your preferred hue.

Assembling the Orange Velvet Cake

Once the cake layers have cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed. Place one layer on your serving platter or cake stand, and spread a generous amount of the orange cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake, creating swirls and decorative peaks with the frosting.

For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days) before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up. When ready to serve, let the cake come to room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to shine.

Variations of Orange Velvet Cake

While the combination of orange and cream cheese is hard to beat, you can also try other delicious flavor pairings with this moist Orange Velvet Cake. For a tart twist, swap the orange juice for lemon juice and the orange extract for lemon extract. Or, for a decadent take, pair the orange cake with a rich chocolate cream cheese frosting.

To make this cake dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives. You can also try substituting the eggs with flax or chia eggs. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy the bright, citrusy flavors of Orange Velvet Cake in a dairy-free or vegan version.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed to make Orange Velvet Cake?

The key ingredients for Orange Velvet Cake include cream cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, milk, concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange zest, and orange extract. For the frosting, you’ll need butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, orange extract, salt, and powdered sugar.

How do I make the orange cream cheese frosting smooth and creamy?

To ensure your orange cream cheese frosting is silky smooth and creamy, make sure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before beating them together. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, until you reach the desired consistency. You can also use an electric mixer or stand mixer to ensure the frosting is thoroughly incorporated and free of lumps.

Can I make this cake ahead of time and store it?

Absolutely! Orange Velvet Cake is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Once the cake is frosted, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days) to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up. When ready to serve, let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to shine.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt Orange Velvet Cake to be dairy-free or vegan. Use plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives, and substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs. This will allow you to enjoy the bright, citrusy flavors of this cake in a dairy-free or vegan version.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

– Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
– Fresh Peach Fritters
– Heavenly Summer Peach Bars
– Chocolate Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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