Orange Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that combines the bright flavor of oranges with a rich and creamy frosting. This cake is perfect for any celebration or special occasion, offering a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite.
Orange Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Why This Orange Cake Is the Best
- Bright Orange Flavor: The cake is infused with fresh orange juice and zest, providing a refreshing and tangy flavor.
- Creamy Frosting: The orange cream cheese frosting is smooth and creamy, adding a rich and indulgent contrast to the zesty cake.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The cake has a moist and tender texture, making each bite a delight.
- Beautiful Presentation: Decorated with dollops of cream cheese frosting and slices of fresh orange, the cake is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of tea, Orange Cake is the perfect choice. The combination of bright orange flavor, creamy frosting, and beautiful presentation makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a tender, fluffy cake.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise for a light, airy texture.
- Unsalted Butter (Softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake extra moist.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to structure.
- Orange Zest: Infuses the batter with bright citrus flavor.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Large Eggs + Egg Yolk: Provides structure and richness.
- Whole Milk (Room Temperature): Ensures a smooth batter and tender crumb.
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Gives a natural citrusy tang.
For the Frosting:
- Icing Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar): Creates a smooth, sweet frosting.
- Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the frosting for a creamy consistency.
- Unsalted Butter (Softened): Adds richness and smoothness.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a luscious, slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors.
- Orange Zest: Brings extra citrus brightness to the frosting.
Tips for Making the Best Orange Cake
- Use Fresh Oranges: For the best flavor, use fresh orange juice and orange zest.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Generously Frost: Apply a generous amount of orange cream cheese frosting to each layer of the cake for added richness and visual appeal.
- Decorate Elegantly: Top the cake with dollops of frosting and slices of fresh orange for a touch of elegance and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a slice of Orange Cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a burst of flavor and color.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or orange sorbet for an indulgent dessert.
- With a Drizzle of Honey: Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness and flavor.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into a slice of this Orange Cake—each bite offering a perfect blend of bright orange flavor and creamy frosting, all topped with slices of fresh orange. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this cake is sure to bring joy to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and bake this delightful cake to impress your loved ones and create sweet, memorable moments together!
Be sure to check out these other delicious cake recipes!
Orange Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
This Orange Cake is bursting with zesty citrus flavor, topped with a creamy orange frosting that’s the perfect finishing touch! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or just as a sweet treat to enjoy on your own!
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk room temperature
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice from about 2 oranges
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tsps baking powder
- 2 tsps orange zest
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2.5 cups icing sugar confectioner's or powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsps orange zest
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, oil, and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and orange zest, and beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate measuring cup, combine the milk and orange juice.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients and milk/juice mixture in three alternating batches, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes before turning them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the icing sugar and cornstarch, breaking up any large lumps.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Then, add the vanilla extract and orange zest, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the icing sugar mixture, one cup at a time, beating after each addition until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Place one layer of the cake on a plate or turntable, and spread about 1 cup of frosting on top using an offset spatula. Place the second cake layer upside down on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. If desired, decorate with orange slices.
Notes
- Because of the fresh ingredients in the frosting and the tendency of cream cheese frosting to soften at room temperature, it’s best to store this cake in the refrigerator. Be sure to take it out about an hour before serving.
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Orange Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting