Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that combines a soft, citrusy flavor with a rich and creamy frosting. This cake is perfect for various occasions, from birthday celebrations to casual family gatherings. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Citrusy Flavor: The concentrated orange juice and zest give this cake a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs.
• Versatile Decoration: The cake can be easily decorated to match the theme of your event, making it suitable for birthdays or holidays.
• Creamy Frosting: The orange cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, enhancing the overall experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is sure to please everyone, from kids to adults, with its appealing taste and striking appearance.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Orange Velvet Cake, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 3 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Parchment paper
• Wire racks
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your butter and cream cheese are blended perfectly for a smooth batter and frosting.
• Parchment paper: Prevents the cake from sticking to the pans, making it easy to remove once baked.

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Ingredients

For this delicious Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1½ sticks (168g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• ½ cup (120ml) concentrated orange juice, thawed (do not add water)
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil)
• Zest from one orange (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange extract
• Orange coloring gel (optional, for desired shade)

For the Frosting

• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 16 oz (452g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 7 cups (805g) powdered sugar, adjust to taste
• Orange coloring gel (optional)

How to Make Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, thawed concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange extract, and optional orange zest until well combined.

Step 4: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

Step 5: Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add the sugar while beating until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time. Ensure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients with the wet mixture to the creamed base. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated.

Step 7: Add Coloring Gel

If using orange coloring gel, add it now to achieve your desired shade.

Step 8: Bake

Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5-10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy creating this delightful Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion. This vibrant cake pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its zesty flavor and making your dessert table unforgettable.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the cake’s citrusy notes.
• Blueberries: Juicy and tart, they provide a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Raspberries: Their slight tanginess complements the creamy frosting beautifully.

With Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a wonderful texture to each slice.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Infuse with vanilla or orange zest for an extra kick.

As a Layered Dessert

• Parfait Style: Layer pieces of cake with cream cheese frosting and fruits in a glass for an elegant presentation.
• Mini Trifles: Create individual servings by alternating layers of cake, frosting, and fruit in small cups.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the cake’s richness.
• Citrus Sorbet: Its lightness and tang enhance the orange flavor in the cake.

How to Perfect Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Achieving the perfect Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature allows for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much, which can make the cake dense.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Rotate Your Pans: Halfway through baking, rotate your pans in the oven for even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting off.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting after adding powdered sugar; adjust based on your desired sweetness level.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful options that complement this delicious dessert.

1. Citrus Salad: A blend of mixed greens topped with citrus segments drizzled in a light vinaigrette adds brightness.
2. Herbed Quinoa: A nutty quinoa dish flavored with herbs provides a healthy contrast to the sweet cake.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offer an earthy balance against the sweetness of the cake.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese pairs well without overpowering the cake’s flavor.
5. Fruit Compote: Warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits enhances the orange notes while adding warmth.
6. Mixed Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted mixed nuts adds crunch and a savory element next to the sweet dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but certain errors can affect your results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can prevent proper mixing and texture. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: This can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Ignoring baking time: Not keeping an eye on the cake while it bakes can result in undercooked or overcooked cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
• Forgetting to cool the cakes properly: If you frost warm cakes, the frosting may melt and slide off. Allow your cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Consider wrapping individual slices for convenience.

Freezing Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a cast iron skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.

How should I adjust the recipe for high altitude?

At high altitudes, you may need to reduce sugar slightly and increase liquid. Also, consider adding more flour.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour in place of regular flour, but check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to store my Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness, up to 5 days.

How can I customize my Orange Velvet Cake?

Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter or using lemon instead of orange juice for a different citrus flavor.

Can I make this cake a day ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors often improve after a day. Just keep it stored properly in the refrigerator until serving.

Final Thoughts

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different flavors or toppings. Its bright citrus flavor makes it perfect for any occasion—give it a try today!