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Moist Orange Layer Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews
  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Moist Orange Layer Cake is a vibrant and flavorful dessert featuring fluffy orange-infused cake layers and a luscious cream cheese frosting enhanced with fresh orange zest and juice. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and tanginess, it’s ideal for celebrations or a delightful treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose or cake flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt

Optional Simple Syrup

  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pans & Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which usually takes 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs Gradually: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mix.
  5. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to combine all wet components.
  6. Alternate Dry & Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the wet ingredients in two parts, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  7. Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Cake Layers: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto wire racks. Remove parchment paper and cool completely to room temperature.
  9. Optional Orange Simple Syrup: To add extra moisture, combine orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Let syrup cool, then brush over cooled cake layers.
  10. Prepare Frosting: Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Add Powdered Sugar to Frosting: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar on low speed, then beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  12. Incorporate Orange & Vanilla into Frosting: Mix in orange zest, 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve desired consistency and flavor.
  13. Final Frosting Whip: Whip the frosting on medium-high speed for 30 seconds to make it extra light and luscious.
  14. Level Cakes for Assembly: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool, then level the tops with a serrated knife if needed for smooth, even stacking.
  15. Stack & Frost First Layers: Place the first cake layer on your serving platter and spread 1 to 1 ½ cups of the orange cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and repeat frosting application.
  16. Add Final Layer: Place the third cake layer on top, gently pressing down to secure the stack.
  17. Apply Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to trap crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes until the crumb coat is firm.
  18. Final Frosting Layer: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and apply the remaining frosting smoothly over the top and sides using an offset spatula. Decorate as desired.
  19. Decorate (Optional): Garnish the cake with additional orange zest, candied orange slices, fresh orange segments, or mint leaves to enhance presentation.
  20. Chill Before Serving: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to set the frosting and improve slicing.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and a tender crumb.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
  • Using parchment paper on cake pans helps release cakes easily.
  • Simple syrup is optional but adds extra moisture and flavor.
  • Frosting consistency can be adjusted with orange juice; add gradually.
  • Chilling after crumb coat helps trap crumbs and makes decorating easier.
  • Leftover cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange cake, layered cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, citrus dessert, homemade cake, baking

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Find it online: https://cookwithsophie.com/moist-orange-layer-cake-recipe/