Orange Velvet Cake
This Orange Velvet Cake with yellow buttercream is soft, moist, and bright with fresh orange flavor. It bakes into four thin layers that can be stacked and frosted, ideal for birthdays, tea time, or any small celebration.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, room temperature For cake
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon orange zest Freshly grated
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops orange food coloring Optional
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch salt
- A few drops yellow food coloring Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease four 20 cm (8-inch) cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the orange juice, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
- Add the dry ingredients and the liquid mixture to the butter-egg mix in thirds, alternating and beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until smooth. Add orange food coloring if desired.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
Baking
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the buttercream, beat 1 cup butter until light. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Add milk or cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add yellow food coloring if desired.
Assembly
- Level the cooled layers if needed. Spread frosting between layers, then cover the whole cake. Use a spatula to create a simple texture or leave it smooth. Garnish with orange slices or white chocolate shavings if you wish.
Notes
Serve slices at room temperature for the best flavor. Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.