Description
This Orange Velvet Cake combines a soft, velvety crumb with the refreshing taste of citrus, enhanced by a creamy orange buttercream frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this elegant cake is a showstopper in both flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add orange zest.
- Gradually mix in orange juice, buttermilk, and vanilla alternately with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Divide batter between prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
- Stir in orange juice, zest, vanilla, and optional food coloring. Beat until fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Spread frosting over the first cake layer, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides.
- Garnish with orange zest or decorations as desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Enhance flavor with a pinch of orange extract in the frosting.
- For even layers, trim the tops of the cakes before assembling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American