Introduction

This easy orange cake with zesty cream cheese frosting is the perfect treat to brighten any day. It delivers a wonderfully moist and fluffy crumb, bursting with fresh citrus flavor that’s perfectly balanced by a tangy, creamy frosting. If you love vibrant, fruit-forward recipes, you might also enjoy this Avocado Grapefruit and Fennel Salad Recipe for a refreshing contrast.

Ingredients

This vibrant orange cake with zesty cream cheese frosting fills your kitchen with a sunny, citrus aroma. Gather these simple ingredients for a moist, tender crumb bursting with fresh flavor.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 2 large oranges
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: This Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting comes together in under an hour, which is about 20% faster than many similar layer cake recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Pans and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting releases cleanly and evenly.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sifting or whisking thoroughly prevents lumps and guarantees a uniform, tender crumb.

Step 3 — Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be pale, fluffy, and almost doubled in volume. This step is crucial for the cake’s light texture.

Step 4 — Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. In a separate jug, combine ¾ cup fresh orange juice, ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt), and the zest of two large oranges. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients and orange mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Tip: Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can develop gluten and make the cake tough.

Step 5 — Bake and Test for Doneness

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, the tops are golden, and the edges just begin to pull away from the pan sides.

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Must be completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

Step 6 — Make the Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 7 — Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Carefully place the second layer on top. Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes to seal in crumbs. Finally, use the remaining frosting to create a beautiful final coat.

Garnish Tip: Decorate with additional orange zest, thin orange slices, or candied orange peel for a stunning, professional finish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	19g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	280mg

Note: These values are estimates for one slice of this Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing its bright, citrusy flavor.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a boost of protein and a nuttier, denser crumb.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap granulated sugar for a monk fruit or erythritol blend to significantly reduce the net carbs while maintaining sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Frosting — Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter alternative to create a dairy-free version of the zesty cream cheese frosting that’s just as tangy.
• Gluten-Free Base — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this Orange Cake perfectly safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduced-Fat Option — Substitute full-fat cream cheese with a Neufchâtel or light cream cheese for a lighter frosting with a slightly less rich texture.
• Oil Alternative — Replace vegetable oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana to cut fat and add natural moisture.
• Low-Sodium Swap — Omit any added salt in the cake batter and use unsalted butter (or its alternative) to better control the overall sodium content.
• Whole Grain Twist — Use white whole wheat flour or oat flour for half the all-purpose flour to increase fiber while keeping a tender texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair slices of this vibrant orange cake with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of sparkling Moscato for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Serve as a stunning dessert for spring brunches, Mother’s Day celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a bright, cheerful finish.
• For an elegant presentation, garnish each slice with a twist of fresh orange zest, a candied orange slice, or a sprinkle of edible flowers.
• Transform it into a show-stopping layer cake by doubling the recipe and adding extra zesty cream cheese frosting between the tiers.
• Offer alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a contrast in temperature and texture.
• For a casual gathering, bake the batter in a bundt pan, dust with powdered sugar, and let guests help themselves.

This orange cake with zesty cream cheese frosting is versatile enough for any event, from a simple family dessert to the centerpiece of a festive table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using only orange juice, which lacks the potent aromatic oils of the zest. Fix: Always zest your oranges first, ensuring you capture the essential oils for a truly vibrant Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter after adding flour, which develops gluten and leads to a tough, dense crumb. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
• Mistake: Adding frosting to a warm cake, causing it to melt into a runny, unmanageable mess. Fix: Cool the cake layers completely on a wire rack before applying your zesty cream cheese frosting.
• Mistake: Using cold cream cheese and butter for the frosting, which results in a lumpy, uneven texture. Fix: Bring all frosting ingredients to room temperature for at least 30 minutes to achieve a perfectly smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Mistake: Not properly greasing and flouring the pan, leading to a cake that sticks and breaks. Fix: Use a pastry brush to coat every crevice with softened butter or oil, then dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
• Mistake: Overbaking the cake, which dries it out and diminishes the fresh orange flavor. Fix: Start checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before the recipe’s time; a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean.
• Mistake: Skimping on the salt, leaving the flavors flat and one-dimensional. Fix: A pinch of salt in both the cake batter and the frosting is essential to balance and enhance the sweetness and citrus notes.
• Mistake: Rushing the creaming process for the cake batter, failing to incorporate enough air for proper rise. Fix: Beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for a full 3-5 minutes until very light and fluffy.
• Mistake: Using a serrated knife to level cake layers, which creates excessive crumbs. Fix: Use a long, thin-bladed serrated knife in a gentle sawing motion, or invest in affordable cake leveling strips for perfectly even layers.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your frosted Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Ensure it is cooled completely before covering to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. Frosted cake can be frozen for up to 1 month; freeze slices on a tray before wrapping to protect the frosting.
• Reheat: For a warm slice, microwave a single portion for 10-15 seconds. For a whole cake, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until just warm to the touch, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) if food safety is a concern.

Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage of the cream cheese frosting.

Conclusion

This Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bursting with bright citrus flavor. We hope you love baking it as much as we do! If you’re looking for another citrus treat, try our Orange Bars Recipe – A Zesty Dessert You’ll Love Recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your results in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I make this Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once completely cool and store at room temperature. Prepare the zesty cream cheese frosting and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.

What is the best way to get the orange flavor into the cake?

This Orange Cake with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting gets its vibrant flavor from both fresh orange juice and zest. Be sure to zest your oranges before juicing them. The zest provides essential oils that deliver the most intense citrus aroma to both the cake batter and the frosting.

How should I store the frosted cake?

Due to the cream cheese frosting, this Orange Cake must be refrigerated. Store it in an airtight container or cake carrier for up to 4 days. For the best taste and texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.