As a child, I remember the smell of fresh citrus filling the kitchen while my mom baked. That same feeling inspired me to create this orange velvet cake—soft, moist, and bursting with bright orange flavor. This easy orange velvet cake recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a family-friendly, customizable dessert that everyone will love. It’s a simple way to bring joy and vibrant flavor to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This orange velvet cake is a bright and delicious twist on the classic red velvet cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft, moist texture and vibrant orange flavor, this easy orange velvet cake is ideal for birthdays, brunches, or family gatherings. The recipe is quick, family-friendly, and customizable, letting you adjust sweetness or frosting to suit your taste. Kids and adults alike will love this moist orange velvet cake, and it pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting or an orange glaze. Whether you’re trying an orange velvet pound cake recipe, creating an orange dream cake, or exploring colorful variations like yellow velvet cake or purple velvet cake, this dessert stands out. For those busy weeknights or special occasions, this easy orange velvet cake recipe is a comforting and satisfying treat. Serve it with an orange velvet drink or garnish with orange zest for a complete citrus-themed dessert experience.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Every ingredient in this orange velvet cake is chosen to create a moist, flavorful, and vibrant dessert that everyone will love. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while baking powder and salt ensure the cake rises perfectly. Butter and sugar make the cake tender and sweet, while eggs and vanilla enhance the richness. Fresh orange juice and zest infuse a natural citrus flavor, giving this orange velvet cake its signature bright taste. Buttermilk adds extra moisture, making this easy orange velvet cake soft and airy. For the frosting, cream cheese and butter combine for a creamy texture, while powdered sugar sweetens and balances the tang from the orange juice. Optional decorations like candied orange peel, orange slices, or edible flowers not only enhance the flavor but also make your orange velvet cake visually stunning. Whether you’re aiming for a classic layered cake or a fun orange dream cake variation, these ingredients are simple, accessible, and perfect for family-friendly baking.
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
1 cup fresh orange juice
½ cup buttermilk
Orange food coloring (optional, for vibrant orange color)
For the Frosting:
16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons orange juice (to adjust consistency)
Optional: orange food coloring
For Decorations (optional):
Thin orange slices or candied orange peel
Edible flowers or sprinkles
Orange zest for garnish
How to Make This Recipe
Creating a delicious orange velvet cake is easier than you might think. This moist orange velvet cake combines soft, tender layers with a bright citrus flavor that makes every bite irresistible. The fresh orange juice and zest infuse the cake with natural sweetness and aroma, while the combination of butter, sugar, and eggs ensures a rich, velvety texture. Using buttermilk adds extra moisture, making this easy orange velvet cake light and airy. Frosting with creamy cream cheese enhances the citrus flavor and gives a perfect balance of sweetness. Whether you’re making this orange velvet pound cake, an orange dream cake, or just exploring moist orange velvet cake recipes, following these steps will help you achieve bakery-quality results that are family-friendly and visually stunning.
🛒 Steps:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
In a large bowl, cream 1 cup unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon orange zest.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with 1 cup fresh orange juice and ½ cup buttermilk until smooth. Add orange food coloring for a vibrant orange hue if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For the frosting, beat 16 oz cream cheese and 1 cup butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1–2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth.
Apply a crumb coat to the cooled cake, chill for 20 minutes, then frost fully.
Decorate with thin orange slices, candied peel, or orange zest for a professional finish.
Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering the perfect orange velvet cake is all about understanding how each ingredient works together. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while baking powder ensures the cake rises evenly. Butter and sugar create tenderness and sweetness, and eggs add richness. Fresh orange juice and zest give this easy orange velvet cake its signature citrus flavor, while buttermilk keeps the layers moist and light. Using high-quality cream cheese and butter in the frosting enhances the creamy texture. Following these expert tips will help you achieve a moist orange velvet cake with bright, balanced flavors and a professional finish every time. Whether you’re making an orange velvet pound cake or experimenting with an orange dream cake, these tricks ensure your cake is soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use room-temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs for smoother batter and frosting.
Do not overmix the batter to keep your orange velvet cake light and moist.
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt to prevent lumps and ensure an even texture.
Add fresh orange juice gradually to maintain batter consistency and enhance natural flavor.
Use a crumb coat before frosting to achieve a smooth, professional look.
Chill the cake briefly before decorating for easier handling and better structure.
Experiment with orange zest, candied peel, or edible flowers to make your orange velvet cake visually stunning.
For extra moisture, replace half the butter with oil in your orange velvet pound cake variation.
FAQs
What makes orange velvet cake different from traditional red velvet cake?
Orange velvet cake uses fresh orange juice and zest for a bright, citrusy flavor, while red velvet cake has a mild cocoa taste. This easy orange velvet cake is soft, moist, and visually vibrant, making it perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or festive celebrations.
How can I make my orange velvet cake moist?
For a moist orange velvet cake, use buttermilk and room-temperature butter, and avoid overmixing the batter. Adding fresh orange juice enhances both moisture and flavor, giving your cake a tender, soft texture.
Can I make an orange velvet pound cake instead of a layered cake?
Yes. The same batter works well for an orange velvet pound cake. Baking in a loaf pan produces a denser, sliceable dessert that maintains the bright orange flavor and moist texture of the original orange velvet cake recipe.
What frosting works best with orange velvet cake?
Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, balancing the citrus flavor and adding creamy sweetness. You can also use an orange glaze or buttercream for a smooth, visually appealing finish.
Can I customize the orange flavor in this orange velvet cake?
Absolutely. Adjust the amount of fresh orange juice or zest to increase or reduce citrus intensity. You can also experiment with complementary flavors like vanilla or almond to create a unique, family-friendly version of this easy orange velvet cake.
Do I need special decorations for orange velvet cake?
Not necessarily. Simple orange zest, candied peel, or thin orange slices make your cake visually appealing. You can also explore edible flowers or sprinkles for a festive look while keeping the dessert moist and flavorful.
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This orange velvet cake is the perfect combination of vibrant citrus flavor, soft texture, and moist, tender layers that everyone will love. Whether you’re making an easy orange velvet cake for a busy weeknight, a special occasion, or experimenting with an orange velvet pound cake variation, this recipe delivers bright, family-friendly results every time. Pair it with cream cheese frosting, orange glaze, or fresh decorations for a visually stunning dessert. With its customizable flavors and simple steps, this moist orange velvet cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Orange Velvet Cake
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and zesty twist on the classic velvet cake, the orange velvet cake is soft, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor. Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or festive occasions, it pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting or an orange glaze for extra tangy sweetness.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
1 cup fresh orange juice
½ cup buttermilk
Orange food coloring (optional, for vibrant orange color)
For the Frosting:
16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons orange juice (to adjust consistency)
Optional: orange food coloring
For Decorations (optional):
Thin orange slices or candied orange peel
Edible flowers or sprinkles
Orange zest for garnish
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Bake Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and orange zest.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with orange juice and buttermilk until smooth. Add food coloring if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare Frosting
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
Add orange juice or food coloring as needed for consistency and color.
Step 3: Frost Cake
Level the cooled cake. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 15–20 minutes.
Frost the cake fully and smooth with a spatula.
Step 4: Decorate
Garnish with orange slices, candied peel, or edible flowers.
Sprinkle extra orange zest over the top for a bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Moisture Boost: Replace half the butter with oil for an even moister cake.
- Mini Version: Bake in cupcake liners for single servings.
- Make Ahead: Cake can be baked a day before serving; frost and decorate the day of.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Celebration Cake
- Method: Baked / Frosted / Decorated
- Cuisine: American