The Luscious Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic velvet cake, bringing the refreshing and vibrant flavor of oranges to the table. This cake stands out with its soft, velvety texture, making each bite melt in your mouth. The citrusy orange flavor, combined with the rich, buttery cake, offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
2. What You’ll Need
- For the Orange Velvet Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: A few drops of orange food coloring for a vibrant look
- For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh orange slices
- Orange zest curls
- Edible flowers for decoration
3. How to Make
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Orange Juice and Zest: Mix in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, enhancing the citrus flavor.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add Optional Coloring: If you want a more vibrant orange color, add a few drops of orange food coloring and gently fold it into the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the frosting until light and fluffy, adjusting the consistency with a bit more powdered sugar or orange juice as needed.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of orange cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish: Decorate the top of the cake with fresh orange slices, orange zest curls, or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
4. Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve this cake slightly chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. The cake can be served as part of an afternoon tea spread or as a delightful end to a dinner party.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wish to freeze the cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before frosting. The unfrosted cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
5. Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense and tough cake. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until they are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at too high or too low a temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the right temperature.
- Skipping the Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a unique tang and helps in achieving the tender crumb texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Not Properly Creaming the Butter and Sugar: Ensure that you cream the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy. This is crucial for the texture of the cake.
6. Tips and Tricks
- Use Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice makes a big difference in the flavor compared to store-bought. The freshness of the juice adds a natural and vibrant citrus flavor.
- Enhance the Orange Flavor: If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract in addition to the zest and juice.
- Add a Syrup: For an extra moist cake, drizzle a simple syrup made with orange juice and sugar over the cake layers before frosting.
- Let the Cake Layers Cool Completely: To avoid a messy frosting situation, make sure your cake layers are completely cool before applying the cream cheese frosting.
7. FAQ
- Can I substitute the orange for another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the orange with lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a different citrus flavor. The recipe remains largely the same, but the citrus flavor will vary. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it. - Can I use a different frosting?
While the orange cream cheese frosting complements the cake perfectly, you can also use buttercream or whipped cream for a lighter option. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best results.
8. Conclusion
The Luscious Orange Velvet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that brings together the tangy brightness of oranges with the rich, velvety texture of a classic cake. Its citrusy notes, paired with a creamy frosting, make it an irresistible choice for any occasion. This cake is perfect for those who love a balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that yields impressive results, making it a must-try for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
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Luscious Orange Velvet Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
This Luscious Orange Velvet Cake is a zesty twist on a classic, featuring a soft, moist cake with vibrant orange flavor and a creamy, citrus-infused frosting that will brighten any dessert table!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Orange Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly between the layers and over the top. Garnish with extra orange zest if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger orange flavor, increase the amount of orange zest in both the cake and frosting.
- You can add a few drops of orange food coloring for a vibrant look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 5g
