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Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 from 90 reviews

This delightful Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting combines the light, tender texture of velvet cake with a refreshing citrus twist. Infused with concentrated orange juice and zest, and layered with a rich, creamy orange-flavored cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a sunny dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 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 (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 Orange Cream Cheese 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)

Instructions

  1. Oven & Pan Prep: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. Dry Ingredient Preparation: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, thawed concentrated orange juice, vegetable oil, orange extract, and orange zest until well combined.
  4. Cream Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
  5. Add Sugar & Eggs: Gradually add the sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next.
  6. Combining Mixtures: Gradually alternate adding the dry and wet mixtures to the creamed base, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
  7. Add Coloring (Optional): If using orange coloring gel, add it now to achieve the desired shade.
  8. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Frosting Preparation and Assembly: Beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract, orange extract, and salt, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until desired consistency and sweetness are reached. Optionally add orange coloring gel. Frost the cooled cake layers and assemble.

Notes

  • Substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour plus cornstarch (1 cup AP flour minus 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch) for a similar texture.
  • Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
  • Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
  • Use fresh orange zest for the best authentic citrus flavor.
  • If frosting is too soft to work with, chill it briefly in the refrigerator before using.

Keywords: Orange Velvet Cake, Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, Citrus Cake, Velvet Cake Recipe, Orange Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting