The Ultimate Moist Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened; 1½ sticks (168g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 3 cups (342g) cake flour; 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder; ½ teaspoon (3g) baking soda; ½ teaspoon (3g) salt; ½ cup (120ml) milk; ½ cup (120ml) concentrated orange juice, thawed; ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon orange extract; Orange coloring gel; 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter for frosting; 16 oz (452g) full-fat cream cheese for frosting; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon orange extract for frosting; ½ teaspoon salt for frosting; 7 cups (805g) powdered sugar

February 15, 2026

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Table of Contents

Introduction

This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate citrus-inspired dessert for anyone who craves a moist, tender crumb paired with a tangy, silky finish. When we talk about velvet cakes, we often think of the classic red version, but the bright, sunny flavor of orange brings a refreshing twist to the tradition. This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting captures the essence of fresh citrus in every bite, making it a perfect choice for spring brunches, summer parties, or even festive holiday gatherings.

The secret to this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting lies in the combination of full-fat cream cheese in the batter and the use of concentrated orange juice, which provides a punch of flavor without thinning out the consistency. Many citrus cakes suffer from being too dry or having a faint flavor, but this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is specifically formulated to be incredibly moist and robustly aromatic. If you are a fan of citrus, you might also enjoy The Most Heavenly Moist Orange Loaf Cake You'll Ever Crave, which offers a simpler take on this wonderful flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love It

You will absolutely fall in love with this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting because of its sophisticated balance of sweetness and tang. Unlike standard sponges, the 'velvet' method ensures a tight, soft crumb that almost melts on your tongue. The Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is also visually stunning, with its soft orange hue and thick, luscious swirls of frosting that can be decorated with fresh orange slices or zest.

Furthermore, this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is surprisingly easy to make once you understand the basic principles of creaming butter and sugar with cream cheese. It is a durable cake that holds up well for layering, yet remains delicate enough to be served at the most elegant tea parties. If you love the pairing of citrus and chocolate, you should definitely check out The Most Divine Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache That Will Melt Your Heart for a different flavor experience.

The Science of Velvet Textures

What makes an Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting different from a standard yellow cake? The term 'velvet' originally referred to cakes made with acid (like buttermilk or vinegar) and cocoa powder, which reacted to create a fine-grained, soft texture. In this modern iteration, we use the acidity of orange juice and the fat content of cream cheese to achieve that signature mouthfeel. The vegetable oil added alongside the butter ensures that the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting stays moist even after refrigeration.

Mastering the Orange Flavor

The key to a truly great Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is the intensity of the orange. We use orange extract and zest for top-level aroma, but the heavy lifting is done by the concentrated orange juice. By using the thawed concentrate instead of fresh juice, we avoid adding too much water to the batter, which can cause the cake to become rubbery. This concentration of citrus is what makes the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting stand out from the crowd.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need a variety of pantry staples and a few specific citrus items. The use of high-quality fats is non-negotiable for achieving the correct texture. For the cake batter, ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature to prevent lumps.

Notes/Substitutions

If you cannot find cake flour, you can make a substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour from 1 cup and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift this mixture three times to ensure even distribution. For the orange coloring, a tiny drop of gel goes a long way. Always use gel rather than liquid coloring to avoid changing the moisture balance of your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.

Equipment

To bake your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, a stand mixer or a powerful hand mixer, a fine-mesh sifter for the flour and powdered sugar, and a silicone spatula to scrape the bowl. Using a Quality Chef's Knife is also helpful for zesting the oranges and slicing the finished cake into perfect portions.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly every time. Precision in mixing and temperature is key to the velvet crumb.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually taking about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting has a stable structure.
Step 4: Sift the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
Step 5: Whisk together the milk, orange concentrate, oil, orange extract, and orange zest.
Step 6: Alternately add the dry and wet ingredients to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 8: For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange extract, vanilla, and salt. Beat until thick and spreadable.

Pro Tips

When making Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, always use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat or tub versions contain too much water and will make the batter thin and the frosting runny. Another tip for the perfect Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is to ensure your eggs are at room temperature; cold eggs can cause the creamed butter to curdle. For more information on professional baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting sinks in the middle, it might be due to opening the oven door too early or underbaking. If the frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar half a cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Remember that the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicate balance of fat and acid, so follow the measurements exactly.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serve the Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting chilled or at a cool room temperature. For variations, you can add white chocolate chips to the batter or fill the layers with an orange curd for extra zing. This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent the cake from absorbing fridge odors.

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Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	540 kcal
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	72g
Fat	28g

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands and measurements used.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy baking and sharing this exquisite Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. It is a recipe that truly celebrates the bright notes of citrus while providing the comforting, rich texture of a classic velvet cake. Whether it's for a birthday or a quiet afternoon treat, this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use regular orange juice instead of concentrate for Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?

It is highly recommended to use frozen concentrated orange juice (thawed) because it provides a more intense flavor without adding excessive liquid, which can ruin the velvet texture of the cake.

How do I store Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?

Due to the cream cheese frosting, this cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Why is my velvet cake not fluffy?

The most common reason for a dense velvet cake is overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Mix just until combined to keep the crumb light and airy.

Can I freeze Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. If already frosted, flash freeze the cake until the frosting is firm, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Eldralys Recipes

The Ultimate Moist Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction