Orange Velvet Cake

This Orange Velvet Cake is a true delight, offering a soft, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a treat for yourself, this cake stands out with its rich orange flavor and moist crumb. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a luscious frosting that complements the cake beautifully, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this delicious cake.
• Flavorful and Refreshing: The concentrated orange juice brings a bright citrus flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile: This recipe is great for layer cakes or cupcakes, allowing for creative presentations.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant orange color makes this cake visually stunning on any dessert table.
• Perfectly Moist: The combination of cream cheese and butter ensures a moist and tender crumb every time.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful Orange Velvet Cake, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process.

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools ensure thorough mixing of ingredients, resulting in a smooth batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized during the preparation process.
• Rubber spatula: This tool is great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.

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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

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans. Line the bottom of each pan with circles of parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, thawed concentrated orange juice, orange extract, and optional orange zest. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

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

Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually

1. Gradually add the sugar to the mixture while continuing to mix at medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until fully combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

1. Add room-temperature eggs one at a time to the mixture.
2. Ensure you mix until no yellow yolk is visible after each addition.
3. If using Orange Coloring Gel for tinting, add it now or during any stage of mixing as desired.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures Alternately

1. With your mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry flour mixture and wet milk mixture to the batter.
2. Start with one-third of the dry mixture and end with it as well; mix just until combined without over-mixing.

Step 8: Divide Batter into Pans

1. Evenly divide the batter between the three prepared pans.

Step 9: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven at 325 degrees F for about 28–30 minutes.
2. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
3. Allow cooling for about 5–10 minutes in pans on a wire rack before turning them out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 10: Enjoy!

This recipe yields approximately eight cups of batter—perfect for making layered cakes or cupcakes!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake

Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests at a gathering or treat yourself, serving suggestions can enhance the experience of this rich and moist cake.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve slices of Orange Velvet Cake with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Citrus Slices: Add orange or lemon slices on the side to complement the cake’s flavors.

With Whipped Cream

• Classic Topping: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Infuse whipped cream with orange zest for an extra citrusy kick.

As Cupcakes

• Mini Treats: Turn the cake batter into cupcakes for individual servings, perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Decorated Cupcakes: Frost with cream cheese icing and add colorful sprinkles for a festive look.

With Ice Cream

• A La Mode: Pair a slice of Orange Velvet Cake with vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.
• Sundae Style: Create a sundae by layering cake pieces, ice cream, and drizzling with chocolate or fruit sauce.

How to Perfect Orange Velvet Cake

To ensure your Orange Velvet Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Flour Before Measuring: Sifting flour helps aerate it, ensuring a lighter cake. Measure after sifting for accuracy.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for perfect doneness.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Velvet Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Velvet Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Citrus Sorbet: Refreshing citrus sorbet cleanses the palate between bites and complements the orange flavor.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse provides a decadent contrast to the lightness of the cake.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over slices for an indulgent touch that enhances flavor.
5. Honey Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with honey and nuts for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with cake.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: Offer homemade granola bars as a chewy option alongside the soft texture of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep that velvety texture.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can affect how well they incorporate. Allow them to reach room temperature for better mixing.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Removing the cake from pans too soon can cause it to break. Let it cool in the pans for at least 5-10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
• Not using parchment paper: This can lead to sticking. Always line your cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal and maintenance of the cake’s shape.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Orange Velvet Cake in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Orange Velvet Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Orange Velvet Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Orange Velvet Cake.

Can I substitute other flavors in Orange Velvet Cake?

You can definitely experiment! Try different citrus juices or extracts like lemon or lime for a unique twist.

What makes this an Orange Velvet Cake?

The combination of concentrated orange juice and zest gives this cake its refreshing flavor and vibrant color, while creamy ingredients provide its signature velvety texture.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes! This recipe works great as cupcakes, though they won’t have much of a dome. Bake at the same temperature but check for doneness around 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Velvet Cake is not only moist and delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give it a try and enjoy its rich taste!