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Orange Layer Cake

prep time: 30 min | bake time: 30 min | total time: 2 hrs

This Orange Layer Cake is a soft, eggless dessert bursting with real citrus flavor and childhood nostalgia. Inspired by orange creamsicles and homemade citrus bars, it features fluffy layers and a whipped cream cheese frosting that’s rich, light, and vegan-friendly.

Eggless Orange Layer Cake That Tastes Like Sunshine in Every Bite

If you’re searching for an eggless orange cake that doesn’t sacrifice texture or flavor, this Orange Layer Cake delivers on every level. With the help of natural leavening and dairy-free ingredients, and a touch of natural orange cream flavoring each layer bakes up soft, tender, and incredibly moist without the need for eggs. 

What truly sets this cake apart is its whipped cream cheese frosting – light, velvety, and slightly tangy, it complements the orange flavor without overpowering it. This frosting holds up beautifully without butter or eggs, making it a standout choice for summer time bakes!

Eggless Orange Cake

The Secret Ingredient That Gives This Orange Layer Cake Its Signature Flavor

The secret behind this cake’s standout flavor lies in one powerful ingredient: Amoretti Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor.

This premium, highly concentrated flavoring captures the nostalgic essence of orange creamsicles—creamy, citrusy, and utterly irresistible.

Unlike artificial extracts that can leave a harsh or synthetic aftertaste, this artisan blend is made from natural ingredients, offering a well-rounded flavor profile that enhances both the sweetness and brightness of the cake. Just a small amount transforms the batter and frosting into something truly special!

Special offer: Use code SALONI5 at checkout to get $5 off the Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor on Amoretti’s website—valid through the end of the year.

moist eggless orange cake from scratch
Sponsored by Amoretti – Use code SALONI5 for $5 off Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor, valid through the end of the year.
baking with Amoretti orange cream
Amoretti natural flavor orange cake

Orange Layer Cake Ingredients

  • Milk: Provides moisture and richness, helping dissolve sugar and activate gluten for structure. 
  • Lemon Juice: Adds acidity, which reacts with baking soda to create leavening gas and lighten the texture. 
  • Cane Sugar or Castor Sugar: Sweetens the cake while also contributing to its moistness by attracting and retaining water. It aids in caramelization and Maillard reactions, giving the cake a golden color and depth of flavor.
  • Oil: Provides fat that tenderizes the cake by coating flour proteins, reducing gluten formation. It also stays liquid at room temperature, which keeps the crumb soft and moist longer than butter would.
  • Amoretti Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor: This concentrated flavoring imparts a creamy citrus aroma and taste, mimicking the nostalgic flavor of orange creamsicles. Unlike artificial extracts, it enhances the cake’s sensory appeal without leaving a harsh aftertaste.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Flour supplies the necessary starch and protein to create the cake’s structure through gluten development.
  • Baking Powder: Baking powder acts as a chemical leavening agent, releasing carbon dioxide when exposed to moisture and heat. This gas expansion lifts the batter, producing a light, fluffy crumb.
  • Baking Soda: Baking soda reacts with the acid in lemon juice to create carbon dioxide gas, aiding in rise and tender texture. 
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor by balancing sweetness and suppressing bitterness.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture due to its high fat and protein content. When softened, it blends easily with other ingredients, creating a creamy, stable base for frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the structure and stiffness of the frosting through its fine particle size and cornstarch content. It dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture without grittiness.
  • Whipping Cream: Adds volume and lightness when beaten, thanks to its high fat content that traps air into a stable foam. It also enriches the frosting with moisture and a silky mouthfeel.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile by adding sweet, aromatic notes that complement the cream cheese and citrus in the cake. 
  • Salt: A pinch of salt sharpens and balances the sweetness of the frosting. 
eggless orange cake with cream cheese frosting

How to Make Orange Layer Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the pans by lightly greasing three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with oil. Line the bottoms with baking paper for easy release.

dairy-free orange cream layer cake

Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, lemon juice, oil and cane sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Add dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.

Add Amoretti Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor and mix.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are set and spring back when gently pressed.

orange cake made with Amoretti natural flavor

Cool the cakes completely on a wire rack.

Assemble: Once cooled, level the tops of the cakes if necessary. Layer with cream cheese frosting and use any trimmed pieces for decoration.

soft and moist eggless orange cake recipe
orange cake made with Amoretti Artisan Flavor

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Prepare your equipment. In a large mixing bowl, use either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer.

Add the cold cream cheese and beat briefly until slightly softened.

orange layer cake with cream cheese frosting
orange cake with whipped cream cheese frosting

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in two additions. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and light, about 4–5 minutes.

Incorporate remaining ingredients. Add the cold whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Whip the frosting. Continue mixing until the frosting is fully combined, smooth, and holds soft peaks.

moist orange cake with cream cheese icing

How to Assemble Your Orange Layer Cake

Add a small dollop of cream cheese frosting to the center of your cake stand or serving plate to help anchor the first layer.

Place the first cake layer onto the prepared stand.

Add 5 to 6 scoops of cream cheese frosting on top and spread it evenly using an offset spatula.

Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer and repeat the process, adding 5 to 6 scoops of frosting and spreading it evenly.

Place the final cake layer on top, pressing down gently to align and secure the stack.

Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to trap crumbs and create a smooth surface.

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.

Eggless Orange Cake

Once firm, apply another layer of frosting, even layer of frosting over the cake.

Fill a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle with the remaining frosting and pipe rosettes or borders around the top and sides of the cake.

Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and make it easier to slice.

Orange Layer Cake FAQs

Eggless Orange Cream Cake

Watch this Video for Making Chocolate Loaf Cake

My Top 3 Tips for the Best Orange Layer Cake

  1. Use a High-Quality, Natural Flavoring for Authentic Orange Cream Taste: For the signature orange creamsicle flavor, skip artificial extracts and opt for a premium option like Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor by Amoretti. This highly concentrated blend captures the nostalgic balance of citrus and cream using natural ingredients—delivering a smooth, vibrant flavor with none of the synthetic aftertaste.
  2. Don’t Skip the Acid: It Helps the Cake Rise Without Eggs: This recipe is eggless, but you’ll never miss them thanks to the combination of lemon juice and baking soda. The acid-base reaction creates bubbles that help the cake rise while keeping the crumb light, tender, and incredibly moist.
  3. Use Oil Instead of Butter for Lasting Moisture: Unlike butter, which solidifies at room temperature, oil remains liquid and keeps the cake soft even after chilling. It also disperses evenly in the batter, ensuring consistent moisture and a fine, delicate crumb.
eggless orange layer cake recipe

Sponsored by Amoretti

Make every bite unforgettable with Amoretti Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor. This all-natural, highly concentrated flavoring delivers the smooth, citrusy essence of orange creamsicles without the artificial aftertaste.

Use code SALONI5 to get $5 off your purchase, now through the end of the year.

Find it now at @amoretti and bring nostalgic flavor to life in your next bake.

Saloni Mehta Pastry Chef and Food Blogger

Meet Saloni

I’m a former pastry chef with a love for breads, cakes and everything in between! My recipes are easy to follow, egg free and are designed to be shared with others!

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Orange Layer Cake

This Orange Layer Cake is a soft, eggless dessert bursting with real citrus flavor and childhood nostalgia. Inspired by orange creamsicles and homemade citrus bars, it features fluffy layers and a whipped cream cheese frosting that’s rich, light, and vegan-friendly.
Author: Saloni Mehta
Rate
Yield: 12 servings
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours

Ingredients

Orange Cake Ingredients

  • 450 ml Milk unsweetened almond milk or low fat milk
  • 1+½ tbsp Lemon Juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 270 g Cane Sugar or castor sugar
  • 90 ml Oil vegetable or sunflower
  • 2-3 tsp Amoretti Natural Orange Cream Artisan Flavor
  • 340 g All Purpose Flour
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1-2 Orange zest optional

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 450 g Cream Cheese*, room temperature
  • 200 g Powdered sugar*, sifted
  • 360 ml Whipping Cream, cold
  • 3 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Salt

Instructions

How to Make Orange Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the pans by lightly greasing three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with oil. Line the bottoms with baking paper for easy release.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, lemon juice, oil, cane sugar and orange zest (if using) and mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Add dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are set and spring back when gently pressed.
  • Cool the cakes completely on a wire rack.
  • Trim and assemble: Once cooled, level the tops of the cakes if necessary. Layer with cream cheese frosting and use any trimmed pieces for decoration.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Prepare your equipment. In a large mixing bowl, use either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer.
  • Add the cold cream cheese and beat briefly until slightly softened.
  • Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in two additions. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and light, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Incorporate remaining ingredients. Add the cold whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  • Whip the frosting. Continue mixing until the frosting is fully combined, smooth, and holds soft peaks.

How to Assemble Your Orange Layer Cake

  • Add a small dollop of cream cheese frosting to the center of your cake stand or serving plate to help anchor the first layer.
  • Place the first cake layer onto the prepared stand.
  • Add 6 to 7 scoops of cream cheese frosting on top and spread it evenly using an offset spatula.
  • Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer and repeat the process, adding 6 to 7 scoops of frosting and spreading it evenly.
  • Place the final cake layer on top, pressing down gently to align and secure the stack.
  • Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to trap crumbs and create a smooth surface.
  • Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.
  • Once firm, apply an even layer second of frosting over the cake.
  • Fill a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle with the remaining frosting and pipe rosettes or borders around the top and sides of the cake.
  • Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and make it easier to slice.

Notes

  • Cup vs. Weighing Scale: U.S. customary cup measurements are approximate and can lead to inconsistencies. For best results, use a digital kitchen scale and measure ingredients in grams.
  • Prep Before You Start: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process.
  • Spoon Accuracy: Use proper measuring spoons for teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) quantities—avoid using everyday eating utensils, which are not accurate.
  • Sugar: Cane sugar may be substituted with granulated or castor sugar. To ensure the recipe remains vegan, choose organic or certified vegan sugar, as some sugars are processed using bone char.
  • Cream Cheese: Use any plain, full-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative depending on your preference or dietary needs.

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