Dreamy Orange Velvet Cake Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Baking an orange velvet cake brings a delightful twist to classic dessert traditions.

Zesty citrus notes dance through soft, luxurious layers of tender crumb.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this treat stand out from ordinary sweets.

Rich cream cheese frosting complements the bright, sunny orange essence perfectly.

Vibrant colors and incredible textures promise a memorable culinary experience.

Each slice delivers a burst of refreshing, sweet complexity.

You’ll love how simple ingredients create something truly spectacular.

This cake might just become your new favorite celebration centerpiece.

Why Orange Velvet Cake Is A Sweet Celebration

• Burst with Citrus Flavor: Enjoy a vibrant orange zest that transforms this cake into a sunshine-filled dessert, bringing fresh and tangy notes to every delightful bite.
• Master Baking Confidence: Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, this recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee a beautiful, professional-looking cake without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Treat: Ideal for birthdays, brunches, or family gatherings, this cake creates instant smiles and becomes a memorable centerpiece that everyone will adore and request again.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Utilize common pantry staples like buttermilk, oranges, and basic baking ingredients to create an extraordinary dessert that feels special without requiring rare or expensive components.

Ingredients For Orange Velvet Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure for the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Chemical agents that help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance of the cake.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.

• Orange Zest: Brings intense citrus aroma and bright flavor to the cake.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds natural citrus taste and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the orange flavor and adds depth.

• Butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Provides tanginess and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

How To Make Orange Velvet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Generously coat two round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until perfectly blended. Set this powdery mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

In a spacious bowl, combine sugar, buttermilk, and oil. Whip these ingredients until they become a smooth, well-integrated mixture. Gently add eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

• Vanilla extract
• Fresh orange zest
• Freshly squeezed orange juice

Stir these into the batter until the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant and silky. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients, mixing gently to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean and dry.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely, which helps set the cake’s structure.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest

Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and cloud-like.

Step 8: Final Cake Assembly

Once the cakes have cooled entirely, spread a generous layer of frosting on the first cake layer. Carefully place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, creating a beautiful, tantalizing dessert.

Tips For Perfect Orange Velvet Cake

• Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt or plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains moisture and texture.
• Enhance orange flavor by adding a splash of orange liqueur or extract to the batter for deeper citrus notes.
• Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can result in a dense, tough cake texture.
• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Line cake pans with parchment paper for effortless cake removal and prevent sticking.

Different Takes On Orange Velvet Cake

• Citrus Burst Cake: Replace orange juice with a blend of lemon and lime juice for a tangy, multi-citrus flavor profile.
• Nutty Orange Dream: Fold chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the batter for added crunch and depth.
• Chocolate Orange Fusion: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version.
• Tropical Orange Sensation: Mix in shredded coconut and replace some buttermilk with coconut milk for a tropical-inspired cake.

Best Pairings For Orange Velvet Cake

• Flavor-Boosting Orange Liqueur Splash: Drizzle Grand Marnier or Cointreau over each cake layer before frosting to intensify the citrusy notes and add sophisticated depth.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp Moscato d'Asti or a light Riesling with subtle sweetness that complements the cake's bright orange flavor without overwhelming its delicate profile.
• Complementary Side Treat: Serve alongside candied orange peel or a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato to enhance the orange essence and provide textural contrast.
• Beverage Harmony: Enjoy with a chilled orange-infused iced tea or a sparkling blood orange spritzer for a refreshing and thematic drinking experience that mirrors the cake's citrus character.

Storage Instructions For Orange Velvet Cake

• Store the orange velvet cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake stays moist and fresh.
• Wrap the entire unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for easy grab-and-go portions. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw completely before heating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Velvet Cake

• Why use buttermilk in this orange velvet cake?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist cake texture by breaking down gluten and adding subtle tanginess that complements the orange flavor.

• How important is fresh orange zest in this recipe?

Fresh orange zest is crucial because it provides intense, natural citrus oils that deliver a more vibrant and authentic orange flavor compared to bottled orange extract.

• Can I substitute vegetable oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can use canola oil or sunflower oil as they have neutral flavors and similar fat content, which helps maintain the cake’s moisture and texture.

• What gives this cake its distinctive orange color?

The combination of fresh orange juice and orange zest naturally contributes to the cake’s warm, golden-orange hue without requiring artificial food coloring.

Orange Velvet Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Orange Velvet Cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its tangy citrus twist. Moist layers brim with zesty orange essence, crowned by silky cream cheese frosting that promises pure delight for cake enthusiasts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice

Citrus Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (12 grams) orange zest

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
2. Create the dry mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside for later incorporation.
3. Blend sugar, buttermilk, and oil in a large bowl until thoroughly integrated, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete mixing after each addition.
4. Enhance the batter’s aromatic profile by adding vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice, stirring until smooth and fragrant.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing minimally to maintain batter’s delicate texture.
6. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, ensuring uniform depth for consistent baking.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350F, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when cake is fully cooked.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Prepare frosting by whipping butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
10. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest, beating until achieving light, fluffy consistency.
11. Once cakes have cooled completely, apply first layer of frosting between cake layers.
12. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, creating an even, attractive finish.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-intolerant bakers.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance orange flavor by adding a splash of orange liqueur to the batter or brushing cake layers with orange simple syrup before frosting.
• Zest oranges carefully to avoid bitter white pith, using only the bright orange outer layer for maximum citrusy flavor.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg