Best Orange Frosting Recipes

ORANGE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• In a small bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, orange zest and vanilla. Add enough orange juice to achieve frosting consistency.

ORANGE SHERBET ICE CREAM CAKE WITH SUGAR COOKIES AND LEMON WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with a parchment paper circle.
• Cover the bottom of the prepared pan with the sugar cookies. Spread the marshmallow creme on top of the cookies. Scoop the sherbet and frozen yogurt onto the marshmallow layer, packing it in tightly and alternating the scoops to create a marbled or checkerboard effect. Spread with an offset spatula to make a smooth top. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
• Unmold the cake by running a knife around the edge of it, then unhinge the springform and remove. Invert the cake onto a sheet of plastic wrap and remove the bottom of the pan and the parchment. Place a plate on the bottom and invert once more.
• Add the heavy cream, lemon curd, confectioners' sugar and vanilla to a large bowl and whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. (This makes enough frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake with additional to pipe decorations if desired.)
• Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lemon whipped cream frosting and sprinkle with the almonds. If the cake begins to get too soft, put it back into the freezer for a few minutes.
• Freeze another 1 1/2 to 2 hours or up to overnight. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

ORANGE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Beat cream cheese, butter or margarine, orange peel, and orange juice until creamy. Beat in confectioner's sugar until blended and smooth.
• Spread about 1 1/2 teaspoons on each cooled cookie. Sprinkle with walnuts.
• Let icing set 1 to 2 hours. Refrigerate in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers up to 1 week.

LEMON CAKE WITH LEMON FILLING AND LEMON ORANGE FROSTING

Steps:

• Grease and flour four 9 inch cake pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Sift together flour, cream of tartar, and baking powder four times. Set aside.
• Beat 8 egg yolks with a rotary or electric beater until very thick, light, and creamy. Add the 2 cups sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, and continue beating until mixture is smooth and pale yellow. Stir in 1 grated lemon rind and juice of 1 lemon. Quickly fold in the flour mixture until well incorporated.
• In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, whip the 8 egg whites until peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain.
• Spoon into cake pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cake begins to pull away from sides of pans. Loosen edges with a knife and turn out on cake racks to cool while you prepare the filling and frosting.
• To Make Lemon Jelly Filling: Mix 6 egg yolks with 2 cups sugar, grated rind of 2 lemons, and juice of 4 lemons. Cook over boiling water, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Add 1/2 cup butter and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 20 minutes or until filling is smooth and very thick. Cool, then spread between layers of cooled cake.
• To Make Lemon-Orange Frosting: Beat the 1/4 cup butter until it has the appearance of thick cream, stir in 6 cups confectioners sugar, a little at a time, and continue working until mixture is very smooth. Beat in 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir in enough orange juice to make a spreadable frosting, then add grated rind of 1 lemon and 2 grated orange rinds. Spread on sides and top of cake.

CARROT-GINGER LAYER CAKE WITH ORANGE CREAM-CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper and butter. Dust pans with flour and tap out any excess. Set aside. Spread pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking pan and toast in oven until lightly golden, about 7 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand until completely cool. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees. Finely chop pecans and set aside.
• Place carrots, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, sugar, and ginger in a large bowl; mix until well combined.
• Into a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Using a rubber spatula, fold the flour mixture into the carrot mixture until combined. Fold in the butter and toasted pecans.
• Divide batter between the two cake pans and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Remove pans from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack; let stand until completely cool.
• Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes so surfaces are level. Place a layer on a cake stand or cardboard round and spread 3/4 cup frosting over top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of assembled cake. Transfer to refrigerator and chill 3 to 4 hours.
• For the candied carrot strips, set a wire rack over a baking pan. Using fingers, lift one candied carrot strip from the sugar syrup, holding it over the container. With the thumb and forefinger of your other hand, gently squeeze the carrot strip and slide your fingers along its length, removing as much excess syrup as possible; lay the carrot strip on the wire rack. Repeat with remaining carrot strips.
• Decorate cake with candied carrot strips as desired. Cut cake and serve.

MANDARIN ORANGE CAKE WITH PINEAPPLE FROSTING

Steps:

• Spray 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
• Beat together all cake ingredients for 4 minutes.
• Bake cake according to time on box.
• Let cool completely.
• Mix together all frosting ingredients.
• Spread on cooled cake and refrigerate until serving.

GINGERBREAD COOKIES WITH ORANGE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Combine 1 cup butter and sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Mix in molasses and egg until combined.
• Mix together buttermilk and 2 teaspoons baking soda in a small bowl. Mix vinegar with remaining 1 teaspoon baking soda in another small bowl. Add the buttermilk mixture to the molasses-egg mixture. Then add vinegar mixture, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and salt; mix until well combined.
• Gradually stir in 4 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Shape dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator until chilled, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place chilled dough on a floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with desired cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
• Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool, 8 to 10 minutes more.
• While cookies are cooling, place 3 cups powdered sugar, softened butter, orange zest, and 1/3 cup orange juice in a bowl. Discard remaining orange juice, or save for another use. Beat frosting ingredients with an electric mixer until consistency is similar to fondant or modeling dough, adding more powdered sugar, if necessary. Frost cookies.

SPICED LAYER CAKE WITH ORANGE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter three 9-inch-diameter cake pans. Line bottom of pans with waxed paper. Butter and flour pans; tap out excess flour. Sift first 8 ingredients into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, butter and orange peel in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture alternately with sour cream and milk. Divide batter among prepared pans.
• Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Transfer pans to racks and cool 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto racks and cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)
• Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread 2/3 cup frosting over. Top with second cake layer. Spread 2/3 cup frosting over. Top with third cake layer. Cover top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and store at room temperature.)

FRESH ORANGE CAKE WITH ORANGE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING RECIPE - (4.2/5)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 3 9-inch cake pans with nonstick baking spray* and line with parchment. Spray parchment with baking spray. *NOTE: I used 2-9-inch cake pans, figuring I'd slice those in half. That was tricky, as the cake was so moist, that it took a miracle that transferring the layers didn't break! In a large bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add oil, orange juice, eggs and sour cream. Optional: I add 1/4 teaspoon of pure orange oil, for more flavor. Beat at medium speed with a mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans and bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with a mixer until creamy. Add orange zest and orange juice, beating until combined. Gradually add confectioners sugar beating until smooth. (NOTE: You can add more confectioner's sugar, if you prefer a much thicker frosting.) Assembly: Spread frosting evenly between layers and on top and sides of cake.

DOUBLE-LAYER VANILLA-BUTTERMILK CAKE WITH RASPBERRIES AND ORANGE CREAM-CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Bake the Buttermilk Cake:
• Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°F. Lightly coat cake pans with nonstick spray and line bottoms with parchment paper. Whisk 2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat 3/4 cup butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar in a large bowl, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until light and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add 4 egg yolks in 2 additions, scraping down bowl after each. Beat in 1 tsp. vanilla.
• Reduce mixer speed to low, then add dry ingredients in 2 additions alternately with 1 cup buttermilk in 2 additions, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
• Using electric mixer on medium speed, beat 4 egg whites in another large bowl until soft peaks form, 2-3 minutes. Slowly add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 3 minutes more. Fold half of the egg whites into flour mixture, then gently fold in remaining egg whites.
• Scrape batter into prepared pan; smooth surface. Bake, rotating pan halfway through and covering with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking, until golden brown, firm to the touch, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cake cool.
• Repeat steps with second prepared pan and remaining cake ingredients to bake the second layer.
• Make the Vanilla Syrup:
• Combine granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Scrape in vanilla seeds, add pod, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, and steep at least 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Discard pod before using.
• Make the Orange Cream-Cheese Frosting:
• Using electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to medium and beat in powdered sugar, scraping down bowl as needed, until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
• Assemble the cake:
• Spread 1 Tbsp. frosting in the center of a platter. Place 1 cake layer, top side down, in the center. Using a pastry brush, brush 3 Tbsp. vanilla syrup over top of cake. Using an offset spatula, spread 1 cup frosting evenly over top. Arrange 6 oz. raspberries in a ring around perimeter of cake, pressing to adhere. Fill interior of ring with 6 oz. raspberries. Spread 1 cup frosting over raspberries inside of ring (do not frost raspberries at the perimeter).
• Carefully place second cake layer, top side down, on frosted raspberries, gently pressing down to secure. Brush 3 Tbsp. syrup over top of cake with pastry brush. Spread 2 1/2 cups frosting evenly over top and sides, carefully covering raspberries. Chill at least 30 minutes to let frosting set.
• Remove cake from refrigerator. Frost top and sides, swirling decoratively, making sure to cover bottom of platter; reserve remaining frosting for another use. Chill at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let frosting set. Before serving, top cake with remaining 3 oz. raspberries and edible flowers, if using.
• Do Ahead
• Cake can be made 3 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chill, or freeze up to 2 weeks. Syrup can be made 5 days ahead; store in an airtight container and chill. Frosting can be made 3 days ahead; cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly on surface, and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

ORANGE CREAM-CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Place butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add sugar, orange zest, and salt and beat for 5 minutes.

ORANGE CREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat softened butter, confectioners' sugar and salt until smooth. Add orange juice, corn syrup and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy. Tint with orange food coloring.

CARROT-ORANGE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• For cake:
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly butter 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Line bottom with waxed paper; butter paper. Using electric mixer, beat oil and both sugars in large bowl until well blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in orange juice and peel. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt into large bowl; add to sugar mixture and beat to blend. Stir in carrots and raisins.
• Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Transfer pan to rack. Cool cake 15 minutes. Turn cake out onto rack. Remove waxed paper and cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature.)
• For Frosting:
• Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until light. Beat in orange juice and 2 teaspoons orange peel. Add sugar; beat until smooth. Refrigerate until thick enough to spread, about 30 minutes.
• Using serrated knife, cut cake horizontally into 2 equal layers. Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread with 1 1/2 cups frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Using icing spatula, spread remaining frosting in thick decorative swirls over top and side of cake. (Carrot cake can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate.) Serve cake cold or at room temperature.

VANILLA-BUTTERMILK WEDDING CAKE WITH RASPBERRIES AND ORANGE CREAM-CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Bake the Buttermilk Cakes:
• Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°F. Lightly coat 10" cake pans with nonstick spray and line bottoms with parchment paper. Whisk 2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar in a large bowl, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until light and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add 4 egg yolks in 2 additions, scraping down bowl after each. Beat in 1 tsp. vanilla.
• Reduce mixer speed to low, then add dry ingredients in 2 additions alternately with 1 cup buttermilk in 2 additions, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
• Using electric mixer on medium speed, beat 4 egg whites in another large bowl until soft peaks form, 2-3 minutes. Slowly add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 3 minutes more. Fold half of the egg whites into flour mixture, then gently fold in remaining egg whites.
• Scrape batter into prepared pan; smooth top. Bake cake, rotating pan halfway through and covering with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking, until golden brown, firm to the touch, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cake cool.
• Meanwhile, repeat steps to make a second 10" cake.
• Lightly coat 6" cake pans with nonstick spray and line bottoms with parchment paper. Repeat steps using remaining 2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. salt, 3/4 cup butter, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 4 eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 1 cup buttermilk. Pour 1 1/2 cups batter into each pan; smooth tops. Discard remaining cake batter.
• Bake cakes, rotating pans halfway through and covering with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking, until golden brown, firm to the touch, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cakes cool.
• Make the Vanilla Syrup:
• Combine granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan. Scrape in vanilla seeds, add pods, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, and steep at least 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Discard pods before using.
• Make the Orange Cream-Cheese Frosting:
• Using electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat 4 packages cream cheese and 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter in a large bowl until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in 2 tsp. orange zest, 2 Tbsp. orange juice, and 2 tsp. vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to medium and beat in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Transfer frosting to a large bowl.
• Repeat frosting steps with remaining 4 packages cream cheese, 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter, 2 tsp. orange zest, 2 Tbsp. orange juice, and 2 tsp. vanilla. Transfer to bowl with frosting; cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly on surface, and chill until ready to use.
• Assemble the Cake:
• Run a knife around edges of cooled cakes and invert onto wire racks; remove parchment.
• Spread 1 Tbsp. frosting in the center of a 10" cake board or platter. Place 1 (10") cake, top side down, in the center. Using a pastry brush, brush 3 Tbsp. vanilla syrup over top of cake. Using an offset spatula, spread 1 cup frosting evenly over top. Arrange 6 oz. raspberries in a ring around perimeter of cake, pressing to adhere. Fill interior of ring with 6 oz. raspberries. Spread 1 cup frosting over raspberries inside of ring; do not frost raspberries at the perimeter.
• Carefully place second 10" cake, top side down, on frosted raspberries, gently pressing down to secure. Brush 3 Tbsp. syrup over top of cake with pastry brush. Spread 2 1/2 cups frosting evenly over top and sides, carefully covering raspberries. Chill at least 30 minutes to let frosting set.
• Meanwhile, spread 1 Tbsp. frosting in the center of a 6" cake board or removable tart pan bottom. Place 1 (6") cake, top side down, in the center. Brush 2 Tbsp. vanilla syrup over top of cake with pastry brush. Spread 3/4 cup frosting with offset spatula evenly over top. Arrange 3 oz. raspberries in a ring around perimeter of cake, pressing to adhere. Fill interior of ring with 3 oz. raspberries. Spread 3/4 cup frosting over all raspberries with offset spatula to cover.
• Carefully place second 6" cake, top side down, on frosted raspberries, gently pressing down to secure. Brush 2 Tbsp. syrup over top of cake with pastry brush; reserve remaining syrup for another use. Spread 1 1/2 cups frosting evenly over top and sides of cakie, carefully covering raspberries. Chill at least 30 minutes to let frosting set.
• Cakes can now be transported for finishing. To assemble, carefully place 6" layer cake (on the board) in the center of the 10" cake. Spread 2 cups frosting over top and sides, swirling decoratively, making sure to cover seam between 10" cake and bottom cake board; reserve remaining frosting for another use.
• Chill at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let frosting set. Before serving, top cake with remaining 6 oz. raspberries and edible flowers, if using.
• Do Ahead
• Cake is easier to work with when chilled overnight. Cake can be made 3 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chilled, or frozen up to 2 weeks. Syrup can be made 5 days ahead; store in an airtight container and chill. Frosting can be made 3 days ahead; cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly on surface, and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

CHOCOLATE BROWNIES WITH ORANGE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Set oven rack in lower middle position; preheat to 325°F. Spray disposable aluminum baking pan with nonstick spray. Press 18x12-inch sheet aluminum foil over bottom and up long sides of pan, leaving overhang on each long side. Spray foil with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl. Stir both chocolates and 10 tablespoons butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat until melted and smooth; remove from heat. Whisk sugar and vanilla, then eggs into chocolate mixture. Whisk until glossy and smooth, about 1 minute. Add dry ingredients and whisk just to blend.
• Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out with some moist crumbs attached, about 24 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack.
• Using electric mixer, beat room temperature cream cheese and next 3 ingredients in medium bowl until smooth. Spread cream cheese frosting over brownies. Sprinkle nuts or coconut over. DO AHEAD Chocolate brownies can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Using foil overhang for handles, remove brownies from pan. Cut into 18 squares; serve cold or at room temperature.

GRANDMA'S ORANGE ROLLS WITH ORANGE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water and warm orange juice in a bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
• Beat warm milk, shortening, 1/4 cup white sugar, egg, and salt together in a separate bowl. Stir yeast mixture into milk mixture. Add enough flour to mixture to create a soft dough. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Grease a large bowl and two 11x7x2-inch baking sheets.
• Place dough in the greased bowl and turn dough to coat all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Punch dough down and divide in half. Roll each half on a lightly floured surface creating two 15x10-inch rectangles.
• Mix sugar, softened butter, and orange zest in a bowl until filling is smooth. Spread half of the filling onto each dough rectangle. Roll each rectangle around the filling, jelly roll-style, starting with the long end creating a log. Cut each log into 15 rolls.
• Arrange rolls on the prepared baking sheets. Cover baking sheets with plastic wrap and let rolls rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Remove plastic wrap from baking sheets.
• Bake rolls in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Beat confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, softened butter, orange juice, and orange zest in a bowl until frosting is smooth. Spread frosting on the warm rolls.

BLUEBERRY AND ORANGE LAYER CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• For cake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides; line bottoms with rounds of parchment paper. Sift first 3 ingredients into medium bowl. Beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until blended. Beat in concentrate, peel, and vanilla. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in flour mixture in 4 additions alternately with milk in 3 additions. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool in pans on rack.
• For filling:
• Combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in heavy small saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil until mixture is reduced to 3/4 cup, stirring occasionally and mashing berries coarsely with fork, about 8 minutes. Chill filling uncovered until cold, about 30 minutes.
• For frosting:
• Beat cream cheese and butter in bowl to blend. Beat in powdered sugar in 4 additions, then orange concentrate, peel, and vanilla. Chill until firm but spreadable, about 30 minutes.
• Cut around cakes to loosen. Turn cakes out. Peel off parchment. Place 1 layer, flat side up, on platter. Spread filling to within 1/2 inch of edges. Chill 5 minutes. Top with second layer, flat side down. Spread 1/2 cup frosting thinly all over cake to seal. Spread remaining frosting over cake. Mound remaining blueberries on top. (Can be made 1 day ahead; chill. Serve at room temperature.)

ORANGE OMBRE BIRTHDAY CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F; position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Spray three 9-by-2-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray and line the bottom of each with parchment paper. Spray the parchment. Set the pans aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk to combine the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the milk, oil, orange juice and zest; set aside.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 8 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the wet ingredients, and beginning and ending with the dry.
• Pour one-third of the batter into a medium bowl, add 1 or 2 drops of orange food coloring, and stir to combine. Pour into one of the prepared cake pans.
• Pour another third of the batter into the same bowl and add 3 or 4 drops of food coloring. Stir to combine, then pour into the second cake pan.
• Add 5 or 6 drops of food coloring to the remaining batter and stir to combine. Pour into the third cake pan.
• Bake the cake layers until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Cool in the pans on wire racks for 5 minutes. Then invert the cakes, peel off the parchment and let cool completely on wire racks. Trim the tops if domed.
• To assemble the cake: Place the darkest cake layer on a cake stand and frost the top completely. Stack the next darkest layer and again frost the top. Stack the final layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Slice to serve.
• Place the chocolate in a large heat-proof bowl set over (not in) a pan of gently simmering water. Heat until the chocolate is melted, then stir until smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and let the chocolate cool to room temperature.
• In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and confectioners' sugar on medium speed until light and smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the melted chocolate and beat until combined. Add the cream and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY, PEAR AND WALNUT TORTE WITH CREAM CHEESE-ORANGE FROSTING

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°F. Butter two 9-inch-diameter cake pans. Line bottom of pans with waxed paper. Butter and flour waxed paper; tap out excess flour.
• Blend 2 cups walnuts and flour in processor until walnuts are finely ground. Add breadcrumbs, orange peel, spices and salt. Using on/off turns, process just until blended.
• Using electric mixer, beat eggs in large bowl until frothy. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar and brown sugar. Continue beating until mixture is thick and triples in volume, about 6 minutes.
• Fold flour mixture and melted lukewarm butter alternately into egg mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture (do not overmix or batter will deflate). Divide batter between prepared cake pans; smooth tops. Bake cakes until golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Transfer pans to racks; cool 5 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks; cool completely. Remove waxed paper.
• Toss cranberries with remaining 1/2 cup sugar in small bowl to coat. Transfer berries to plate. Cover and freeze. (Can be prepared ahead. Wrap each cake layer separately in plastic. Freeze cake layers and sugarcoated cranberries up to 1 week.)
• Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread with 1 cup frosting. Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of torte. Press remaining 3/4 cup walnuts onto torte sides. Arrange poached pears in concentric circles atop torte. (Torte can be frosted 1 day ahead. Cover torte; chill. Let torte stand 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.)
• Rewarm cranberry puree in small saucepan over medium heat. Brush some puree over pears. Transfer remaining puree to bowl.
• Garnish torte with frozen sugarcoated cranberries. Serve torte with puree.

ORANGE-ALMOND CAKE WITH BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Using a serrated knife, trim tops of 8-inch round cakes to make level. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan. Place first layer on cake plate. Spread frosting over first layer with a small offset spatula so it extends just beyond edges.
• Place remaining layer on top, bottom side up. Gently sweep away any loose crumbs with a pastry brush. Using an offset spatula, cover top and sides with a thin layer of frosting (also use any of the excess frosting visible between the layers). Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
• Using an offset spatula, cover cake again with remaining frosting. Repeat process with 6-inch round cakes. Serve.