Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. With its soft texture and zesty orange cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. The vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a standout choice that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Citrus: The orange flavor shines through in both the cake and frosting, making each bite refreshing.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients mean you can whip up this cake without hassle.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings, it fits any occasion effortlessly.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant color and smooth frosting create an eye-catching dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to adjust sweetness or add extra zest for a more intense flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, having the right tools on hand is essential. These will help ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula
• 8-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process, ensuring your butter and cream cheese are perfectly blended.
• Sifter: Helps incorporate air into the flour mixture, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, gather 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: Cream Butter and Cheese

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

Step 5: Combine Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add the sugar to the creamed mixture while beating until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Mixtures

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

Step 7: Add Color

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.

How to Serve Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful experience that can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert presentation.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of Orange Velvet Cake on its own to showcase its vibrant color and rich flavor. A classic approach that never disappoints.

Fruit Garnish

• Add fresh fruit like slices of orange, berries, or even edible flowers on top for a pop of color and added freshness. This enhances the citrus notes of the cake.

Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of creaminess. You can also flavor the whipped cream with orange zest for a harmonious taste.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or citrus-flavored ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the soft cake texture.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling the cake and mixing it with frosting, then coating in chocolate. A fun way to enjoy this dessert in bite-sized form.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Create individual servings by layering pieces of cake with orange cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit in clear cups. This makes for an appealing display at gatherings.

How to Perfect Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best Orange Velvet Cake, follow these helpful tips that will guide you through the baking process.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting helps aerate the flour which leads to a lighter cake texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding wet and dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature; slight deviations can affect baking time.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting after adding powdered sugar and adjust sweetness according to preference.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Velvet Cake can create a balanced meal or festive atmosphere. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the citrus flavor of the cake while adding lightness to your dessert spread.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy contrast that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
3. Citrus Salad: An assortment of citrus segments drizzled with honey can enhance the orange flavor profile.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture contrast against the soft cake while adding savory notes.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory balance that pairs well with sweet desserts like this cake.
6. Herbed Biscotti: Serve these crunchy cookies as a delightful accompaniment that adds an interesting texture while enhancing flavors.
7. Chilled Herbal Tea: Offer refreshing herbal tea infused with mint or chamomile as a beverage option alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and small errors can affect the outcome of your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Greasing and flouring your pans is important, but lining them with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the cakes after baking.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. This can significantly impact the cake’s texture.
• Ignoring cooling times: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans before transferring them to wire racks. This helps prevent breakage and maintains their shape.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Orange Velvet Cake in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use other citrus juices instead of orange juice?

Yes! You can substitute lemon or lime juice, but adjust sweetness accordingly as they are more tart.

How do I make my frosting thicker?

To thicken your orange cream cheese frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

You can increase the amount of concentrated orange juice or zest in your batter and frosting for added flavor if you lack orange extract.

Can I decorate this cake with fresh fruit?

Absolutely! Fresh berries or sliced oranges make beautiful additions to garnish your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.

Final Thoughts

Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that offers a refreshing citrus twist. It’s perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding different citrus flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!