Moist Orange Layer Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Moist Orange Layer Cake is a bright and flavorful twist on a classic vanilla cake. Infused with orange gelatin and fresh zest, it offers a tender crumb and refreshing citrus notes perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin mix
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp orange extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix with the orange gelatin mix until evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: Add the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
5. Step 5: For the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and optional orange extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
6. Step 6: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of citrus flavor, sprinkle a little more orange zest between the layers before frosting.
• Substitute orange juice with freshly squeezed blood orange juice for a unique color and flavor.
• Use a simple syrup flavored with orange juice to brush on cake layers for added moisture.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving chilled cake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. Leftover cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought?

Yes, fresh orange juice works perfectly and can enhance the natural citrus flavor of the cake.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost once thawed for best results.

Moist Orange Layer Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This Moist Orange Layer Cake is a delightful twist on a classic vanilla cake, infused with vibrant orange flavor from gelatin mix, fresh orange juice, zest, and optional orange extract. The cake is tender and fluffy, layered with a creamy orange buttercream frosting that balances sweetness and citrusy brightness perfectly, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 box 3 oz orange gelatin mix
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp orange extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin mix thoroughly to blend the base and flavor components.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mix, add orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat the mixture until smooth and well incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.
5. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream and optional orange extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
6. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it evenly for a beautiful finish.

Notes

• Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• For a stronger orange flavor, add the optional orange extract to the frosting.
• You can substitute orange juice with fresh squeezed orange juice for a more natural taste.
• Storing the cake in an airtight container will keep it moist for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated.
• For best results, use fresh orange zest rather than dried.

Keywords: orange cake, layer cake, orange gelatin cake, moist cake, citrus cake, buttercream frosting, homemade cake