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Slice of orange velvet cake with orange cream cheese frosting on a plate

Orange Velvet Cake

This Orange Velvet Cake is a delightful dessert bursting with fresh citrus flavor, perfectly paired with creamy orange cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup orange juice
For the frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar adjust to desired sweetness
  • 1/4 cup orange juice for frosting
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest for frosting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Mix in orange zest and orange juice.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
  3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese with orange juice and zest until well combined.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  3. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Serving
  1. Decorate as desired and serve at room temperature.

Notes

For best flavor, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh orange slices. Store in the fridge for about 5 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months.