This orange layer cake is a citrus lover’s dream! With soft, fluffy vanilla-orange cake layers and a bright, creamy orange frosting, it’s the kind of dessert that turns any day into a celebration.
Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, summer party, or just because—you’ll love every bite of this sweet, sunshine-filled treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super moist and fluffy thanks to orange juice and gelatin
Packed with natural citrus flavor and zesty aroma
Easy to make using a boxed cake mix with fresh upgrades
The buttercream frosting is velvety, creamy, and full of orange essence
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
For the Cake:
Vanilla cake mix – Your quick and reliable base
Orange gelatin – Adds color, flavor, and extra moisture
Fresh orange juice – Brightens every bite with citrus zing
Vegetable oil & eggs – Keep the cake soft and rich
Vanilla extract & orange zest – Boost the natural flavors
For the Frosting:
Butter – Softened for a light, whipped texture
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting
Heavy cream – Makes it smooth and spreadable
Orange extract (optional) – For a bold citrus punch
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use room-temperature eggs and butter for best mixing results
Zest your oranges before juicing to make it easier
Let the cakes cool fully before frosting so the buttercream doesn’t melt
Add orange food coloring for extra color pop (optional)
How to Make Orange Layer Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, stir together the vanilla cake mix and orange gelatin powder.
Add in the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the batter is smooth and slightly fluffy.
Step 3: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low at first, then medium-high.
Add heavy cream and orange extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.
Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 5: Frost and Assemble
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
Use an offset spatula to smooth the sides or add swirls for a rustic look.
What to Serve It With
A glass of cold milk or sweet tea
Fresh fruit like strawberries or mandarin segments
A scoop of vanilla or orange sherbet for extra fun
Variations / Substitutions
Use lemon juice and zest instead of orange for a citrus twist
Add a few drops of orange food coloring to intensify the hue
Make it a bundt cake or cupcakes—just adjust baking times
Swap frosting for a whipped cream topping for a lighter feel
Storage & Leftovers
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Let slices come to room temperature before serving for best texture
Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 1 month
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought?
Yes, fresh orange juice gives the best flavor!
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes—bake the layers ahead and freeze them wrapped in plastic. Frost before serving.
What if I don’t have orange gelatin?
You can skip it, but the flavor and texture won’t be as moist or citrusy.
Is orange extract necessary in the frosting?
It’s optional, but it really boosts the citrus flavor.
Can I use butter instead of oil in the cake?
Vegetable oil makes the cake softer and moister, but melted butter works in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This orange layer cake is like a slice of sunshine!
With its soft texture, citrus zing, and dreamy frosting, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
It’s one of those easy semi-homemade bakes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—and it looks beautiful on any dessert table!
