Quick Luscious Orange Velvet Cake Recipe That Dazzles Everyone

Baking this orange velvet cake promises a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions.

Soft, velvety textures melt perfectly with bright citrus notes.

Layers of rich, tender crumb capture pure sunshine between each slice.

Subtle orange zest whispers through delicate cream cheese frosting, creating magic in every bite.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dessert stand out from typical bakery offerings.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.

Let’s whip up a cake that turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of pure joy.

What Makes Orange Velvet Cake Shine

• Experience a delightful explosion of fresh orange zest that transforms this classic cake into a vibrant, tangy treat that dances on your taste buds.
• Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps and common ingredients that make creating a stunning dessert feel like a breeze.
• Guaranteed to impress family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations with its gorgeous color and irresistible homemade charm.
• Minimal kitchen equipment needed, straightforward mixing technique, and minimal ingredients ensure you can whip up this delectable cake without stress or complicated techniques.

Luscious Orange Velvet Cake Must-Haves

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake's texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's golden color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to complement the orange.
• Buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Infuse the cake with bright, citrusy notes.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter: The base for a creamy, smooth frosting.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Carry the citrus flavor through the frosting.

Baking Luscious Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 180C (350F).

Generously coat two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Craft The Butter Blend

In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until super fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.

Stir in vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and zesty orange zest.

Step 4: Marry The Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Alternate adding buttermilk and flour mixture, starting and ending with flour.

Mix until ingredients are just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Citrusy Frosting

Beat butter until creamy and smooth.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest.

Add milk as needed to achieve a silky, spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Assemble And Decorate

Once cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between layers and over the entire cake.

Sprinkle extra orange zest on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Orange Velvet Cake Perfection

• Choose bright, heavy oranges with smooth skin for the most vibrant flavor and maximum juice extraction.
• Grate orange zest first while the fruit is whole, making it easier to handle and capture more aromatic oils.
• Allow eggs, butter, and buttermilk to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Stir ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cake layers and maintain a tender crumb.
• Cool cake completely and refrigerate briefly to set layers, ensuring cleaner, more precise frosting application.

Storing Orange Velvet Cake the Right Way

• Store the Orange Velvet Cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore softness and bring out the orange flavors.

Serve Luscious Orange Velvet Cake With These

• Elevate Orange Velvet Cake Pairing
• Brew Citrus-Infused Herbal Tea: A light, fragrant herbal tea with lemon or bergamot notes perfectly complements the cake's bright orange flavors, creating a refreshing and harmonious taste experience.
• Match with Creamy Mascarpone Gelato: Smooth, rich mascarpone gelato provides a luxurious contrast to the cake's texture, enhancing the citrus undertones and adding a delightful Italian-inspired touch.
• Serve Alongside Champagne Cocktail: A crisp champagne cocktail with a hint of orange liqueur beautifully echoes the cake's zesty profile, offering an elegant and celebratory pairing that elevates the dessert's sophistication.
• Recommend Candied Orange Slice Garnish: Delicate candied orange slices as a garnish introduce an extra layer of sweetness and intensify the citrus notes, creating a visually stunning and flavor-rich presentation.

Unique Twists for Orange Velvet Cake

• Vegan Orange Velvet Cake: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and swap dairy buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.
• Gluten-Free Orange Velvet Cake: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum to maintain cake structure and texture.
• Low-Sugar Orange Velvet Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness by incorporating Greek yogurt into the frosting for a tangy, less sugary profile.
• Citrus Fusion Orange Velvet Cake: Enhance the orange flavor by adding lemon or tangerine zest, and incorporate a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur into the batter for a sophisticated adult version.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or bottled orange juice for this recipe?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice works too, but fresh gives a more vibrant citrus taste and natural sweetness.

• How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

Don’t overmix the batter and ensure you don’t overbake. Use a toothpick test and check the cake at 25 minutes. The buttermilk also helps keep the cake moist and tender.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

Make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This creates the same tangy, tender effect as buttermilk.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

Luscious Orange Velvet Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent orange velvet cake weaves luxurious citrus notes through silky layers of tender crumb. Rich cream cheese frosting and zesty orange essence create a dessert that whispers sweet sophistication you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cake Batter):

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 tablespoons (180 milliliters) milk (as needed)

Leavening and Seasoning Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 180C (350F) and meticulously coat two 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, ensuring complete coverage.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a light, airy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
5. Gently fold in vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and zest, distributing the citrus flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and conclude with the flour mixture, stirring until ingredients are just combined to prevent overmixing.
7. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for uniform baking.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the cake edges slightly pull away from the pan sides.
9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Prepare the frosting by beating butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest.
11. Adjust frosting consistency with milk, creating a spreadable texture that will easily coat the cake layers.
12. Once cakes have cooled completely, apply frosting between layers and across the entire cake surface, creating an even, luxurious coating.
13. Optional: Garnish with additional orange zest for a vibrant, fresh presentation.

Notes

• Boost Orange Flavor by using freshly squeezed orange juice and zesting oranges right before mixing, which releases more intense citrusy essential oils and enhances the cake’s vibrant taste.
• Prevent Cake Dryness by not overmixing the batter, which can develop tough gluten and create a dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Customize Dietary Needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour and using dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to make the cake suitable for various dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Moisture by adding a light orange simple syrup between cake layers, brushing each layer gently to infuse extra flavor and ensure a supremely soft, succulent texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg