The Orange Buttermilk Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that combines the tangy zest of oranges with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese frosting.
This recipe is a standout for its use of fresh citrus flavors and buttermilk, which together create a cake that’s not only moist and tender but also bursting with refreshing orange zest. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress with its bright flavors and soft crumb.
Orange Buttermilk Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: A Citrusy Delight
This cake is perfect for anyone who loves the vibrant taste of oranges and appreciates a cake that balances sweetness with a tangy twist. The use of buttermilk enhances the texture of the cake, making it incredibly soft and moist, while the orange cream cheese frosting adds a luscious layer that complements the lightness of the sponge perfectly.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange (just a little over 1 tablespoon)
- ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
For the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together into a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until well combined. Mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
- Whisk in the melted butter until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Line a 9×2 inch round baking pan with parchment paper or foil, and butter the lining and sides of the pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, orange marmalade, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, cut it horizontally into two layers.
- Spread a layer of orange marmalade on the cut side of the bottom layer.
- Spread about one-fourth of the cream cheese frosting over the marmalade.
- Place the top layer of the cake over the frosting, and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Final Touches:
- Chill the cake briefly to set the frosting before serving.
This Orange Buttermilk Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is a celebration of flavors, making it an ideal dessert for any gathering or a simply luxurious treat for a regular day. Enjoy the process of baking this delightful cake, and savor every bite of its citrus-infused sweetness!
