Orange Velvet Cake

This Orange Velvet Cake combines the rich, velvety texture of classic cake with the bright, zesty flavor of orange. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a refreshing twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 cup orange liqueur (for extra flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice

Directions

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and sour cream. Mix until just combined.
  6. Add Orange Liqueur (Optional): If using, fold in the orange liqueur.
  7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  3. Mix in Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and orange juice until well combined.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 slices

Variations

  • Flavor Variations: Add additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced version.
  • Frosting Variations: Substitute lemon juice for the orange juice for a lemon-flavored frosting.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving if stored in the refrigerator.

10 FAQs

  1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
    • Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
  2. What can I substitute for sour cream?
    • Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
  3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
    • Yes, the cake can be baked and stored for a few days before frosting.
  4. How can I ensure my cake layers are even?
    • Use a cake leveler or serrated knife to even out the tops of the cake layers if needed.
  5. What if my cake layers domed while baking?
    • Trim the domed tops with a knife before frosting to ensure a level surface.
  6. Can I freeze this cake?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  7. How do I make the frosting smooth?
    • Beat the frosting until it’s light and fluffy, and use a spatula to smooth it over the cake.
  8. Can I use a different type of frosting?
    • Yes, you can use different types of frosting, such as chocolate or vanilla, if preferred.
  9. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
    • Make sure to grease and flour the pans thoroughly or use parchment paper.
  10. Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
    • Yes, this batter can be used for cupcakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Orange Velvet Cake is a refreshing twist on a classic dessert, offering a delightful burst of citrus flavor with each bite. Its creamy cream cheese frosting complements the moist cake perfectly, making it an ideal choice for any celebration.

Print
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Orange Velvet Cake


  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Description

This Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet. With a soft, citrusy flavor from freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, it’s complemented by a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 cup orange liqueur (for extra flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and sour cream. Mix until just combined.
  6. If using, fold in the orange liqueur.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

  1. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange juice until well combined.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Frost the cooled cakes with the cream cheese frosting.
  2. Decorate as desired and enjoy!

Notes

  • Orange Zest: Ensure you use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
  • Orange Liqueur: If not using, you can substitute with additional orange juice.
  • Cooling: Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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