How about a twist on your regular cake routine with something zestier? I’m talking about an Orange Buttermilk Cake layered with creamy, orange-infused frosting that tastes just like a burst of sunshine. This cake brings a bit of citrusy zing that makes it perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend brunches to festive gatherings.
Imagine cutting into a light, fluffy cake that's packed with the fresh and zesty flavor of oranges, paired with a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This isn’t just any cake – it's a joyful celebration of flavors that will lift your spirits no matter what the day brings. Let's get into the kitchen and whip up this delightful treat!
Ingredients for Orange Buttermilk Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
Ingredients for Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Kick off by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab a 9x2 inch round cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper or foil, and generously butter the sides and top of the liner. This prep helps your cake come out perfectly without sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later—you’ll need it to give your cake the perfect lift and texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until they're well blended. Stir in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to infuse your batter with all that citrusy goodness. Then, add the cooled melted butter and mix well.
Combine Dry with Wet: Gradually fold in your dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepped cake pan, smoothing out the top with a rubber spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This patience is key to a perfect cake texture.
Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, whip together the cream cheese, butter, orange marmalade, and orange juice, and extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and luscious.
Assemble and Frost: If you like, slice the cake horizontally into two layers. Spread orange marmalade on the first layer, then top it with about 1/4 of your frosting. Place the second layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the cake beautifully.
Voila! Your Orange Buttermilk Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to enchant your tastebuds. Whether treating yourself or sharing with friends, this cake promises to deliver a delightful dose of zest and joy. Enjoy baking and indulging in your citrusy creation!