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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 180C (350F) and meticulously coat two 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a light, airy texture.
- Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and zest, distributing the citrus flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for uniform baking.
- 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.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare the frosting by beating butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest.
- Adjust frosting consistency with milk, creating a spreadable texture that will easily coat the cake layers.
- Once cakes have cooled completely, apply frosting between layers and across the entire cake surface, creating an even, luxurious coating.
- 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