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Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

A silky, moist velvet cake infused with fresh orange zest and juice, layered with a bright and tangy orange cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 eggs large, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp orange zest fresh
  • 0.5 cup orange juice fresh
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • orange gel food coloring optional
Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest fresh
  • 1 tbsp orange juice fresh
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • salt pinch

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans or line with parchment.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and vinegar.
  4. Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Add orange gel coloring if desired.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes for 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool fully.
  7. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  8. Add orange zest, juice, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth.
  9. Frost between layers, then frost the exterior. Chill slightly before slicing.

Notes

For extra orange flavor, add 1/2 tsp orange extract to the frosting.