Orange Velvet Cake

This moist Orange Velvet Cake is named for its soft, velvety texture. You will love this rich and refreshing dessert! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, the vibrant orange flavor and creamy frosting make it stand out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of orange juice and zest provides a bright and fresh taste that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting.
• Moist Texture – The use of butter, cream cheese, and oil ensures each slice stays tender and moist, making it irresistible.
• Versatile Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday gathering, this Orange Velvet Cake is sure to impress your guests.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this stunning cake with confidence.
• Customizable – Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the frosting or add extra orange zest for an even bolder flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – These are essential for achieving a smooth batter and fluffy frosting. They save time and effort compared to mixing by hand.
• Mixing bowls – Having multiple bowls allows you to prep ingredients separately without confusion, making the baking process more organized.
• Cooling rack – This ensures your cakes cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom, preserving their delightful texture.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This moist Orange Velvet Cake is named for its soft, velvety texture. You will love this rich and refreshing dessert!

Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened ((226g) We used one 8 oz package, full fat.)
– 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened ((168g) unsalted butter, softened)
– 2 cups sugar ((400g))
– 4 large eggs, room temperature ((to save time you can warm them in a bowl of very warm water for 5 min))
– 3 cups cake flour– see Notes for substitution ((342g))
– 2 teaspoons baking powder ((8g))
– ½ teaspoon baking soda ((3g))
– ½ teaspoon salt ((3g))
– ½ cup milk ((175g))
– ½ cup concentrated orange juice, thawed (We used frozen concentrated orange juice)-Do not add water.
– ¼ cup vegetable oil (we used canola oil) ((54g))
– Orange Zest from one orange ((Optional))
– 1 tablespoon Orange Extract
– Orange Coloring Gel for desired shade of orange ((Optional))
– 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (339g)
– 16 oz cream cheese (We used two 8 oz packages cream cheese, full fat)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ((4g))
– 1 teaspoon orange extract ((4g))
– ½ teaspoon salt ((2g))
– 7 cups Powdered Sugar(adjust slightly up or down to your liking (805g))
– Orange Coloring Gel(Optional. We used a very small amount for tinting.)

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans. For added convenience, line the bottoms with circles of parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for about 30 seconds.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional orange zest until well combined.
2. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In the bowl of your mixer:
1. Add the softened butter and cream cheese.
2. Mix at medium speed until smooth.

Step 5: Add Sugar

Gradually add in the sugar:
1. Continue mixing at medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add the room temperature eggs one at a time:
1. Mix until each yolk disappears before adding the next egg.
2. If using Orange Coloring Gel, add it now or during mixing as desired.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the batter.
2. Start and end with the flour mixture; mix just until combined.

Step 8: Divide Batter

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.

Step 9: Bake Cakes

Bake in preheated oven:
1. For about 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached.
2. Let cool in pans on a wire rack for about 5–10 minutes before turning out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare for Frosting

This recipe makes approximately 8 cups of batter. It also works well for cupcakes (though they may have little to no dome). Enjoy creating your delicious Orange Velvet Cake!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful dessert that shines at any gathering. Its vibrant flavor and moist texture make it perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat after dinner.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries complements the citrus notes beautifully.
• Blueberry Compote: A warm blueberry compote adds a tangy contrast to the cake’s richness.
• Citrus Segments: Fresh orange or grapefruit segments enhance the fruity flavor profile.

With Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream provides a lovely contrast in texture.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding a touch of orange extract or vanilla to your whipped cream for added flavor.

As Cupcakes

• Individual Servings: Transforming this cake into cupcakes makes for easy serving and a fun presentation.
• Decorative Toppings: Top with frosting and edible glitter for an elegant touch.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the cake’s citrus flavors.
• Orange Sorbet: For a refreshing option, serve with orange sorbet to enhance the cake’s zestiness.

How to Perfect Orange Velvet Cake

Perfecting your Orange Velvet Cake can elevate it to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures better mixing.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cake; excess flour can lead to dryness.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow layers to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of icing.
• Experiment with Zest: Adding more orange zest can intensify the flavor; just be mindful not to overdo it!
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting as you go; you can always add more powdered sugar for sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Velvet Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Orange Velvet Cake can create a balanced meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and a savory element that complements dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a delightful balance of flavors alongside the cake.
4. Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of fruits brightens up the dessert table while echoing the cake’s citrus notes.
5. Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse creates an indulgent combination of flavors that guests will love.
6. Pistachio Cookies: Crunchy cookies add texture and nutty flavors that pair well with the cake’s softness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Orange Velvet Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients – Always ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Use a spoon to fluff the flour before spooning it into the measuring cup, then level it off. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can make your cake tough instead of soft and velvety.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Lining your cake pans with parchment paper ensures easy removal after baking. Skipping this step may result in broken cake layers.
• Not checking for doneness – Rely on a toothpick test to check if your cakes are done. Pull them from the oven when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Orange Velvet Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for about 5–7 days when properly stored.

Freezing Orange Velvet Cake

• Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Orange Velvet Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Orange Velvet Cake?

Orange Velvet Cake is a moist dessert known for its soft texture and vibrant orange flavor. It’s perfect for celebrations or as a delightful treat.

How do I add more orange flavor to my Orange Velvet Cake?

You can enhance the orange flavor by adding more concentrated orange juice or extra orange zest into the batter.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with lemon or lime juice and zest for a citrus twist on this classic recipe.

How do I store leftover Orange Velvet Cake?

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Absolutely! This Orange Velvet Cake recipe works well as cupcakes; just adjust the baking time accordingly, typically around 18-20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Velvet Cake stands out with its rich flavor and velvety texture, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize flavors or add your favorite toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a refreshing dessert that everyone will love!