Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that showcases the vibrant flavor of oranges. This cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Its fluffy texture and zesty frosting make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest brings an uplifting citrus note to this cake.
• Creamy Frosting: The smooth orange cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the soft cake layers, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, anyone can bake this delicious cake.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant color and elegant layers make it visually stunning for any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula
• 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling racks

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing the ingredients.
• Sifter: Ensuring your dry ingredients are lump-free contributes to a smoother cake texture.
• Cooling racks: Allowing the cakes to cool properly prevents sogginess and helps maintain their shape when frosting.

Ingredients

To make this zesty Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following ingredients:

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. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, thawed concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange extract, and optional orange zest until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

Step 5: Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add the granulated sugar while beating until light and fluffy. Incorporate each egg one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next.

Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

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

Step 7: Add Coloring Gel

If using orange coloring gel for added vibrancy, add it now to achieve your desired shade.

Step 8: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, serving this cake can elevate the experience.

For Birthdays

• Celebrate with candles and a personalized message on top of the frosting for a festive touch.

With Fresh Fruits

• Pair slices of cake with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to add a refreshing contrast.

As an Afternoon Treat

• Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful mid-afternoon snack that complements the cake’s citrus flavor.

At Dinner Parties

• Present the cake as the grand finale to impress your guests, possibly alongside ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

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.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Flour: Sifting the cake flour helps aerate it and prevents lumps, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to prevent a dense texture; overmixing can lead to tough cakes.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and cake rise.
• Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the cream cheese frosting.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Velvet Cake enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the citrus flavors.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it complements the richness of the cake without overpowering it.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts nicely with the sweet cake.
4. Lemon Sorbet: A zesty frozen treat that cleanses the palate between bites of rich cake.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can offer a savory balance to the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Mint Tea: Refreshing mint tea pairs well with dessert, enhancing its flavors while providing a soothing finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and cream cheese can lead to a lumpy batter. Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth mixture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the baking powder check: Expired baking powder won’t help your cake rise. Always check the expiration date before baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cooling cakes too quickly can cause them to collapse. Allow them to cool gradually in the pans before transferring to wire racks.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Frozen cake can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I use different citrus juices instead of orange?

Yes, you can experiment with lemon or lime juice for a different flavor profile while maintaining moisture.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substituting regular cake flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour can work well. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

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

You can add candied orange slices or zest on top of the frosting for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.

How long does it take to bake this cake?

Bake your cakes at 325°F (163°C) for about 28-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers ahead of time, then frost them when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its bright flavors and delightful texture, it’s sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize it with different citrus flavors or toppings!