Print

Orange & Cream Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 53 reviews

This luscious Orange & Cream Cake combines a light, zesty orange-flavored sponge with a creamy, tangy filling and smooth frosting, all enhanced with subtle notes of Fiori di Sicilia and adorned with candied orange peel. Perfect for a special occasion or dessert that tantalizes your taste buds with refreshing citrus and rich cream cheese decadence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 16 tablespoons (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (at least 65°F)
  • 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon King Arthur Fiori di Sicilia, optional
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup (57g) orange juice

Filling

  • one 8-ounce package (227g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon King Arthur Fiori di Sicilia, optional
  • half batch of pastry cream, prepared*

Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, softened
  • 2 ounces (57g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup (113g) confectioners’ sugar

Garnish

  • candied orange peel, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes won’t stick during baking.
  2. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and creamy, which usually takes several minutes.
  3. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl after each addition to incorporate everything evenly.
  4. Flavor the batter: Mix in the vanilla extract, optional Fiori di Sicilia, and fresh orange zest until smooth and well combined, adding aromatic citrus and floral notes.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the orange juice to maintain a smooth batter.
  6. Divide batter for baking: Spread about one quarter of the batter (approximately 234g if using a scale) evenly into each prepared cake pan.
  7. Bake the cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, until the cakes turn golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Repeat baking: Clean and re-grease the pans, then repeat the batter spreading and baking process with the remaining batter to bake all layers.
  9. Prepare the filling: Beat the cream cheese slowly until smooth and fluffy without lumps. Add the optional Fiori and the chilled prepared pastry cream, stirring at low speed until blended, then beat on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  10. Layer the cake: Assemble the cake by layering the cooled cake rounds with the cream filling between each layer, leaving the top layer without filling for a clean finish.
  11. Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.
  12. Frost the cake: Spread the frosting generously over the top of the assembled cake.
  13. Garnish: Decorate the top of the cake with candied orange peel if desired, adding both flavor and a decorative touch.
  14. Chill and serve: Cover the cake and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best results, allow the cake to rest overnight so the texture softens and flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • The optional King Arthur Fiori di Sicilia is a flavor enhancer with citrus and vanilla notes that elevates the cake’s aroma and taste.
  • Using a kitchen scale to portion batter ensures even layers and consistent baking.
  • If a half batch of pastry cream is not prepared ahead, substitute with an equal amount of a thick vanilla custard or store-bought pastry cream.
  • For best flavor and texture, bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
  • Allowing the cake to chill overnight improves the melding of citrus and cream flavors and makes slicing easier.
  • Candied orange peel adds a beautiful garnish as well as a complementary citrus burst; omit if unavailable.
  • Ensure cake layers are completely cool before adding filling and frosting to avoid melting the creamy layers.

Keywords: orange cake, cream cheese cake, citrus cake, layered cake, dessert, homemade cake, cream filling, orange zest

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/orange-and-cream-cake-recipe/