Orange Cream Cake

Orange Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavor of oranges with a moist vanilla cake. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, from birthday celebrations to casual family gatherings. The standout feature is the sunny orange cream cheese frosting that complements the cake beautifully, making it an irresistible treat for any orange lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of orange marmalade and fresh citrus creates a refreshing taste that brightens any occasion.
• Moist Texture: This cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the addition of butter and milk, ensuring every bite is tender and rich.
• Versatile Occasion: Suitable for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake fits seamlessly into any celebration.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can create this impressive dessert.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant color of the orange cream cheese frosting makes this cake visually appealing, sure to impress guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Orange Cream Cake, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling; having multiple sizes allows for organized preparation.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light texture in your cake.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 and ¼ cup (250g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (160g) orange marmalade
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest and juice of 2 large navel oranges
• ¾ cup (180mL) milk (room temperature; any but whole preferred)

For the Frosting

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 8 ounces (225g) full fat block cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• Zest of ½ a large navel orange OR 1 tablespoon (20g) orange marmalade
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Orange Cream Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt

Whisk together until well blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat:
1. Softened unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar

Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add:
1. Orange marmalade
2. Room temperature eggs
3. Vanilla extract
4. Zest and juice of navel oranges

Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry mixture while alternating with milk. Start with dry ingredients:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for about 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Softened butter
2. Cream cheese

Beat until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, zest of navel orange or additional marmalade, and vanilla extract until creamy.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once cooled completely, spread frosting generously between layers and on top of the cake as desired.

Enjoy your homemade Orange Cream Cake!

How to Serve Orange Cream Cake

Orange Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a celebration or a simple family dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

For a Classic Slice

• Serve each slice of Orange Cream Cake with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
• Pair it with fresh orange slices to accentuate the citrus flavors.

With Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or orange sorbet on the side complements the cake’s flavors perfectly.
• Drizzle some orange syrup over the ice cream for an extra zesty kick.

As Individual Servings

• Cut the cake into small squares and serve on mini plates for a fun dessert at gatherings.
• Garnish each piece with mint leaves for a fresh touch.

Alongside Fresh Fruit Salad

• Serve with a colorful fruit salad to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
• Include seasonal fruits like berries and melons to create variety.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing this cake with a cup of coffee or tea enhances its flavors and offers a comforting experience.
• Choose herbal teas if you prefer something lighter.

How to Perfect Orange Cream Cake

To ensure your Orange Cream Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t skip the zest: The zest from oranges adds vibrant flavor, making your cake taste more refreshing.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert it in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
• Allow cooling before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cream Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Cream Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemon, and lime adds brightness to the meal.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse serves as an indulgent counterbalance to the zesty cake.
3. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars offer nutty flavors that complement the orange without overpowering it.
4. Lemon Sorbet: A light and tangy sorbet cleanses the palate and pairs beautifully with orange flavors.
5. Berry Compote: Warm berry compote drizzled over cake provides tartness that enhances its sweetness.
6. Vanilla Custard: Smooth vanilla custard adds creaminess that pairs well with the orange zest in your cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking the Orange Cream Cake, it’s easy to make some common missteps that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Always ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Boldly ignoring the zest: Zest adds vibrant flavor and aroma. Don’t skip it! Use fresh oranges and zest them before juicing for maximum brightness.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a tough cake. Combine your ingredients gently until just mixed to maintain a light texture.
• Boldly underbaking: A cake that’s not fully cooked can collapse. Keep an eye on baking times and test with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.
• Boldly using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure you use fresh baking powder and other ingredients to achieve the best rise and taste in your cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Orange Cream Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Cream Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Orange Cream Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Orange Cream Cake that might help you:

Can I substitute orange marmalade?

Yes! You can use orange curd or even a homemade fruit preserve as alternatives to orange marmalade while still achieving delicious results.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative or whipped coconut cream for a lighter frosting option.

How do I make my cake more flavorful?

In addition to orange zest, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of your Orange Cream Cake.

Can I customize this Orange Cream Cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even other citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

The Orange Cream Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various fruits or frostings to suit any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at this delightful dessert!

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Orange Cream Cake

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 46 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Orange Cream Cake, a moist and zesty dessert that perfectly balances the bright taste of oranges with a rich vanilla cake. This cake is adorned with an irresistible orange cream cheese frosting, making it a showstopper for any celebration—be it birthdays, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. With its vibrant color and refreshing taste, this cake will surely impress everyone at your table. Plus, it’s easy to make, ensuring even novice bakers can create an impressive dessert that captures the essence of sunshine in every bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 and ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup orange marmalade
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest and juice of 2 large navel oranges
• ¾ cup milk (room temperature)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) for frosting
• 8 ounces full fat block cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• Zest of ½ a large navel orange OR 1 tablespoon orange marmalade for frosting
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add orange marmalade, eggs, vanilla extract, and zest and juice of navel oranges; mix until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add in the dry mixture while alternating with milk until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for about 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
7. For frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, zest of navel orange or additional marmalade, and vanilla extract until creamy.
8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg