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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
- Create the dry mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside for later incorporation.
- Blend sugar, buttermilk, and oil in a large bowl until thoroughly integrated, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete mixing after each addition.
- Enhance the batter’s aromatic profile by adding vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice, stirring until smooth and fragrant.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing minimally to maintain batter’s delicate texture.
- Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, ensuring uniform depth for consistent baking.
- 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.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest, beating until achieving light, fluffy consistency.
- Once cakes have cooled completely, apply first layer of frosting between cake layers.
- 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