Orange Cream Cake

A scrumptious Orange Cream Cake is perfect for any gathering, from birthdays to casual get-togethers. This delightful cake combines the bright flavors of orange with a creamy texture, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. With zesty orange marmalade and a rich cream cheese frosting, this dessert stands out for its freshness and moisture. Whether served at a summer picnic or as a cozy treat on a rainy day, this cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh oranges and orange marmalade delivers a vibrant taste that brightens any occasion.
• Moist Texture: This cake remains wonderfully moist thanks to the butter and milk, ensuring every bite is delightful.
• Versatile Frosting: The sunny cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the cake’s flavor, making it suitable for various toppings or decorations.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this delicious treat in no time.
• Perfectly Sized: Serving 10 people, this cake is ideal for small gatherings without leaving you with too many leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Orange Cream Cake, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly during the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: A powerful mixer ensures your butter and sugar achieve the right fluffiness for an airy cake.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients; having multiple sizes helps keep your workspace organized.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, ensuring consistent results every time.

Ingredients

A moist and flavorful orange vanilla cake full of bright and zesty orange marmalade. Sunny orange cream cheese frosting makes this orange creamsicle cake simply irresistible!

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 cow 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 lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk together until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl:
1. Use your stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture:
1. Mix well after adding each egg.
2. Stir in vanilla extract along with the zest and juice of the navel oranges.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture:
1. Alternate adding flour mix with milk until just combined.
2. Fold in orange marmalade gently using a rubber spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide batter equally between prepared pans:
1. Smooth tops for even baking.
2. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

While cakes cool, prepare frosting by beating together:
1. Softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved.
3. Mix in additional zest or marmalade for flavor.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Once cakes are cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread frosting on top before adding the second layer.
3. Frost the top and sides of the cake generously.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Orange Cream Cake!

How to Serve Orange Cream Cake

Serving Orange Cream Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with creative ideas. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for any gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your enjoyment of this zesty treat.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of orange cream cake with a side of mixed fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

A Scoop of Sorbet

• Pair your cake with a refreshing scoop of lemon or orange sorbet. The tanginess complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Whipped Coconut Cream

• Top each slice with light whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that adds a tropical twist and creamy texture.

Drizzle of Citrus Glaze

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling a simple citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the top before serving.

Festive Garnish

• Add edible flowers or mint leaves as a garnish for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

How to Perfect Orange Cream Cake

Perfecting your Orange Cream Cake involves attention to detail and some insider tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create an even batter and better texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour into your measuring cup, which can lead to dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough cake texture.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven too early to maintain proper baking temperature.
• Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent sticking.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cream Cake

To complement your Orange Cream Cake, consider serving it alongside these delicious side dishes. They provide balance and enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Crispy Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a citrus vinaigrette pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted seasonal vegetables add a savory contrast that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring oranges, kiwi, and pineapple provides additional fruity flavors while being light on the palate.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese which can create an interesting flavor profile when enjoyed alongside the sweet cake.
5. Lemon Scones: Light lemon scones offer another layer of citrus flavor that beautifully complements the orange notes in the cake.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Serve mini vanilla cupcakes as an additional treat; they appeal to those who love variety without overwhelming sweetness.
7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats provide a rich contrast to the zesty cake while still maintaining freshness.
8. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade are perfect accompaniments, enhancing the overall citrus theme while providing quenching refreshment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Orange Cream Cake, it’s easy to overlook some key details that could impact your results. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Skipping the zest: Not using orange zest means missing out on essential flavor. Zest enhances the cake’s brightness, so don’t skip this step!
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out your cake. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring bake times: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake towards the end of baking. Test for doneness with a toothpick to ensure perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Orange Cream Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Orange Cream Cake

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

Reheating Orange Cream Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Orange Cream Cake:

Can I use other citrus fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute lemons or limes for a different flavor profile while still keeping that zesty appeal.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Orange Cream Cake, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What if I don’t have orange marmalade?

If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can use any citrus jam or even a homemade citrus compote as an alternative.

Can I use dairy-free options?

Yes! Substitute non-dairy butter and plant-based cream cheese to create a delicious dairy-free Orange Cream Cake.

How do I decorate my Orange Cream Cake?

Consider adding candied oranges or fresh orange slices on top for added visual appeal and flavor!

Final Thoughts

Orange Cream Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its bright flavors make it perfect for celebrations or just because! Feel free to customize with extra toppings or different citrus flavors to make this cake your own!