Orange Layer Cake with Creamy Frosting

Here’s a vibrant and fluffy Orange Layer Cake with Creamy Frosting—a refreshing twist on a classic cake, bursting with citrus flavor and topped with a smooth, tangy-sweet frosting.

🍊 Orange Layer Cake with Creamy Frosting

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)

• ½ cup fresh orange juice

• ½ cup milk or buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Creamy Orange Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp orange juice (to taste)

• 1 tsp orange zest

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest and vanilla.

5. Combine orange juice and milk in a small bowl.

6. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the juice/milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

7. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating on low speed.

3. Add orange juice, zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; beat until fluffy.

4. Chill for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft for spreading.

3. Assemble:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.

• Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.

• Garnish with orange slices, zest, or candied orange peel if desired.