Orange Dream Cake
Indulge in the citrusy bliss of this Orange Dream Cake, a dessert that lives up to its name with every bite. Bursting with refreshing orange flavor from freshly squeezed juice and fragrant zest, this moist and tender cake is perfectly balanced with a velvety cream cheese frosting. Featuring vibrant, natural citrus notes and a touch of optional orange food coloring for added charm, this two-layer beauty is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers a homemade treat that feels both elegant and nostalgic. Designed for 12 servings, this cake is the ultimate combination of zesty citrus and creamy indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 0.75 cup fresh orange juice
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 0.25 teaspoons orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and milk. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice and milk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. If desired, add a tiny drop of orange food coloring for a subtle orange hue, then mix until evenly colored.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top, then place the second cake layer on top. Spread frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate the cake as desired with orange zest, slices, or other garnishes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
Slice and serve your delightful Orange Dream Cake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6598 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 201.0 g | 258% | |
| Saturated Fat | 110.8 g | 554% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1236 mg | 412% | |
| Sodium | 3376 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1157.5 g | 421% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 902.3 g | ||
| Protein | 76.9 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 590 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 18.6 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 1537 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
