What is Orange Velvet Cake?

It’s a moist, soft cake infused with orange zest and extract, giving it a delicate citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting.

What is the difference between a velvet cake and a regular cake?

Velvet cakes are characterized by their fine crumb and smooth texture, achieved by using buttermilk and vinegar. Regular cakes are typically less tender and not as moist.

What was Julia Child’s favorite cake?

While Julia Child enjoyed many classic recipes, she was known to favor rich, buttery sponge cakes similar in texture to velvet-style desserts.

Why is it called a velvet cake?

The term "velvet" refers to the smooth, velvety texture of the crumb, achieved through the use of acidic ingredients and fine flour.

Can I make Orange Velvet Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and frost just before serving. This makes preparation more convenient without sacrificing freshness.

Orange Velvet Cake Recipe

Description

This Orange Velvet Cake is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, finished with a smooth orange cream cheese frosting. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert that works perfectly for birthdays, brunches, or cozy snack moments, delivering homemade comfort in every slice.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups cake flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk
¾ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white vinegar
Orange food coloring, optional

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans, lining them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and vegetable oil until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Mix in buttermilk, vinegar, orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
Add orange food coloring if using and gently stir until evenly colored.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

For extra moisture, brush cake layers lightly with orange syrup before frosting. Always use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, velvety crumb.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg