Velvet cakes are known for their tender crumb, rich color, and subtle flavor balance. While red velvet often takes center stage, this Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting offers a bright, citrus-forward alternative that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Infused with fresh orange zest and juice, this cake delivers a soft, plush texture with just a hint of cocoa to deepen the color and flavor—true to velvet cake tradition. Finished with a tangy orange cream cheese frosting, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and zesty, making it ideal for celebrations, holidays, brunch tables, or anytime a citrus dessert feels right.

What Makes Orange Velvet Cake Special

Unlike traditional orange cakes that lean heavily on juice alone, velvet-style cakes rely on buttermilk, vinegar, and a small amount of cocoa powder to create a uniquely tender crumb. The orange flavor is layered through zest, juice, and frosting, ensuring every bite is aromatic and vibrant without being overpowering.

This cake stands out because:

The crumb is exceptionally soft and moist
Citrus flavor is balanced, not sharp
Cream cheese frosting adds richness and tang
The color is naturally warm and inviting

Ingredients

Orange Velvet Cake

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking soda
Salt
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Unsalted butter, softened
Eggs
Orange zest
Fresh orange juice
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
White vinegar
Orange food coloring (optional)

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese, softened
Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Orange zest
Fresh orange juice
Vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest and vanilla.
Mix orange juice and buttermilk together.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and liquid mixture to the batter.
Stir in vinegar and food coloring if using.
Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops.
Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in orange zest, juice, and vanilla.
Frost cooled cake layers and assemble.

Tips for the Best Velvet Texture

Use room-temperature ingredients
Do not overmix once flour is added
Measure flour correctly for a soft crumb
Chill frosting slightly for cleaner layers

Flavor Variations

Add a layer of orange marmalade between cake layers
Substitute blood orange juice for deeper color
Add white chocolate shavings for garnish
Make cupcakes instead of a layer cake

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake with:

Fresh berries
Lightly sweetened whipped cream
Coffee, tea, or brunch cocktails

It works beautifully for spring celebrations, Easter, birthdays, and holiday dessert spreads.

A Modern Take on a Classic

Velvet cakes originated in the American South, prized for their tender texture achieved through acidic ingredients and careful mixing. This orange version honors that tradition while offering a bright citrus profile that feels fresh and contemporary.

Why This Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box

Elegant but approachable
Unique alternative to red velvet
Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
Reliable, bakery-quality results

This Orange Velvet Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks—soft, citrusy, and irresistibly smooth.