Orange Velvet Cake

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Orange velvet cake is a delightful twist on the traditional red velvet cake, offering a vibrant orange flavor with a soft, velvety texture. Here’s a recipe for making your own orange velvet cake:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar

½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Zest of 1 orange

2 tbsp orange juice

1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

Orange gel food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar, sifted

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1–2 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake:
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, oil, and butter until light and fluffy.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
  6. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
  7. If desired, add orange gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant orange color.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Make the Frosting:
  12. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  13. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  14. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange juice until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  15. Assemble the Cake:
  16. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  17. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  18. Decorate as desired—optional garnish ideas include orange slices, zest, or candied orange peel.

Enjoy this citrusy, decadent dessert! Let me know if you’d like tips for variations or decorations.

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