A moist layer cake combining bright orange and sweet vanilla flavors, topped with a creamy vanilla-orange frosting, reminiscent of a classic creamsicle.
Author:Julian Vaughn
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:55 min
Yield:10 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (for frosting consistency)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the softened butter, eggs, buttermilk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes until the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the orange juice and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Chill the cake for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
For extra orange flavor, you can use orange extract in place of some vanilla extract in the cake batter.
Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter to ensure a light and even crumb.
If you prefer a glaze instead of thick frosting, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting recipe and add more orange juice until it is pourable.