Orange Velvet Cake

Orange Velvet Cake 

Ingredients

For the Cake

 • All-purpose flour – 2¾ cups (340g)

 • Sugar – 1¾ cups (350g)

 • Butter – 1 cup (250g), softened

 • Eggs – 3 large

 • Baking powder – 2 teaspoons (8g)

 • Baking soda – ½ teaspoon (2g)

 • Salt – ½ teaspoon (2g)

 • Buttermilk – 1 cup (250ml)

 • Fresh orange juice – ¼ cup (60ml)

 • Orange zest – 1 tablespoon (about 1 large orange)

 • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (5ml)

 • White vinegar – 1 teaspoon (5ml)

 • Orange food coloring – a few drops (optional for deeper color)

For the Frosting (Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting)

 • Cream cheese – 250g (1 pack, softened)

 • Butter – ½ cup (125g), softened

 • Powdered sugar – 3 cups (375g)

 • Fresh orange juice – 2 tablespoons (30ml)

 • Orange zest – 1 teaspoon (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

Mix in orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange food coloring.

Combine buttermilk, orange juice, and vinegar in a cup.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour.

Divide the batter evenly among the three pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Add orange juice and zest, then beat for another minute until light and spreadable.

To Assemble:

Place one cake layer on a board and spread frosting evenly on top.

Add the second layer, frost again, then top with the third layer.

Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Decorate with orange zest curls or thin orange slices for a bright finish.