Orange Velvet Cake

Before diving into the mixing process, it’s essential to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment the batter hits the pans. While the oven heats, prepare your cake pans. For this recipe, you’ll need two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease each pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust them with flour to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for an extra layer of assurance.

Looking for a show-stopping dessert? Try this Orange Velvet Cake! With its rich, velvety texture and delightful citrus flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like fresh orange juice, buttermilk, and a hint of cocoa, this cake is as easy to make as it is delicious. Pair it with cream cheese frosting for a heavenly finish! Bake it to impress your family and friends today! #OrangeVelvetCake #Baking #Dessert #CakeRecipe #CitrusFlavors #HomemadeDessert

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for subtle depth)

1 tablespoon food coloring (optional, for a brighter color)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).

Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the mixture. Beat until combined. If using food coloring, add it now and mix until evenly blended.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare Frosting (optional): While the cakes are cooling, you can make a simple cream cheese frosting by blending 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of unsalted butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth.

Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top of it. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with additional orange zest or candied orange slices if desired. Slice and serve your delightful Orange Velvet Cake!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12 slices