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Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

A bright and flavorful cake that combines a tender crumb with vibrant orange notes and creamy frosting, perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 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
  • ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • Zest from one orange (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon orange extract
  • Orange coloring gel (optional)
  • 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 16 oz (452g) full-fat cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 7 cups (805g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Orange coloring gel (optional)

Instructions

  1. Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, thawed concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange extract, and orange zest until well combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time.
  6. Gradually alternate adding the dry and wet mixtures to the creamed base, mixing just until incorporated.
  7. If using orange coloring gel, add it now to achieve the desired shade.
  8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Make the frosting a day ahead for better flavor development. Store leftover slices in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition