Dessert

Moist Orange Layer Cake Recipe

Name: Moist Orange Layer Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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)

ByCharlotte Montgomery November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

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Introduction

This Moist Orange Layer Cake is a delightful twist on a classic vanilla cake, infused with bright orange flavor and topped with a creamy orange frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake is both tender and bursting with citrus goodness.

The image shows a three-layer orange cake on a white cake stand with a white marbled texture in the background. Each layer is light golden brown and separated by smooth, white frosting. The outside is covered in the same white frosting, with a neat, slightly ridged texture on the sides. The top is decorated with five swirls of creamy orange-tinted frosting and a half slice of bright orange fruit stands upright on the top, while a smaller triangular orange slice rests at the base of the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and the orange gelatin mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: 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. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.
Step 5: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream and orange extract if using, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Step 6: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of citrus, add a little more orange zest to the frosting or sprinkle some on top as decoration.
If you like a lighter frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly and increase heavy cream for a creamier texture.
Substitute orange gelatin with lemon gelatin for a subtle twist on the citrus flavor.
Make sure to let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Storage

Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.