Craving a taste of sunshine in every bite? Dive into the delightful world of homemade Orange Julius cake recipes. This citrus-infused treat is a refreshing twist on the classic beverage, blending the zesty goodness of oranges with the creamy richness of a cake. Whether you’re a fan of the iconic drink or simply love citrusy desserts, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Imagine a moist and flavorful cake bursting with the vibrant essence of fresh oranges, topped with a luscious glaze that will leave you craving for more. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Get ready to impress your taste buds and wow your guests with this easy-to-make yet impressive dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch slices
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- Orange Coloring Gel (optional)
Orange Julius Flavor Components
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 6 to 6 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Orange Coloring Gel (optional)
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 2 8 oz packages cream cheese
- Popcorn salt (optional)
- Orange Coloring Gel (optional)
Equipment Needed
To create this delightful Homemade Orange Julius Cake, you’ll need some essential equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s a list of items you’ll need to have on hand before starting:
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls (for dry ingredients and wet ingredients)
- Whisk (for blending dry ingredients)
- Zester (for obtaining orange zest)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula (for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl)
- Cooling rack (for cooling the cakes)
- Cake stand or plate (for serving)
Preparation
Preparing the ingredients and baking tools is essential for making a successful homemade Orange Julius cake. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth baking process.
Prepping the Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Allow 2 sticks of unsalted butter (1 cup, 226g) to sit out until slightly softened. Softened butter ensures a fluffy and well-incorporated batter.
- Cream Cheese: You’ll need 2 8oz packages of cream cheese (total weight 452g). Ensure you use full-fat cream cheese for the right consistency in your frosting.
- Extracts: Measure 1 teaspoon (4g) of clear vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon (4g) of orange extract. Extracts add depth of flavor to both the cake and frosting.
- Salt: Optionally add ½ teaspoon (2g) of salt to cut the sweetness. Popcorn salt is best for quick dissolving.
- Powdered Sugar: Prepare 6 to 6 ½ cups (690g to 747g) of powdered sugar for the sweet and creamy frosting.
- Orange Coloring Gel: Use a tiny amount for tinting your frosting.
- Cake Pans: Grease and flour two 8 x 2-inch round cake pans for even baking and easy release.
- Mixer: Have your electric mixer ready to blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Mixing Bowls and Whisk: Use separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients and a whisk for blending.
- Zester: Zest your oranges for that fresh citrus flavor.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect baking.
- Spatula: A spatula helps in scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, cool your cakes on a rack for even air circulation.
- Cake Stand or Plate: Present your finished cake beautifully on a stand or plate.
Cake Baking Instructions
Mixing the Batter
When preparing the batter for the Orange Julius cake, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and greasing and flouring a bundt pan. In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, followed by the orange zest, ensuring everything is just combined. Lastly, mix in the orange juice and avoid overmixing the batter.
Baking the Cake
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Allow the bundt cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then gently invert it onto a plate for serving.
Cooling and Removing from Pan
Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing it. This allows the cake to set, making it easier to handle. Gently tap the sides of the pan, if necessary, to help release the cake. Once cooled, carefully invert the pan onto a plate – the cake should come out easily if the pan was properly greased and floured.
Flavoring and Frosting
Making Orange Julius Syrup
To infuse the cake with the signature Orange Julius flavor, we need to prepare a delicious Orange Julius syrup. This syrup will enhance the citrus notes in the cake and give it that distinctive Orange Julius taste. Here’s how you can create this zesty syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Allow the syrup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until it has reduced slightly and thickened.
- Once ready, remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool completely before using it to soak the cake layers.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter until slightly softened.
- Add 2 packages (8 oz each) of full-fat cream cheese and continue beating until smooth.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of clear vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of orange extract for that extra burst of flavor.
- Optionally, add a pinch of salt (2g) to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
- Gradually incorporate 6 to 6 1/2 cups of powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- For a subtle hue, you can add a small amount of orange coloring gel to tint the frosting.
- Once the cake layers are cooled, generously spread the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting between each layer and over the top of the cake for a delightful finishing touch.
Assembly
Layering and Frosting the Cake
To assemble the Homemade Orange Julius Cake, start by cooling the cake layers completely to ensure the frosting sets perfectly. Once cooled, use a cake leveler to remove any domes for a smooth surface. Using a mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then mix for an additional 2 minutes. Spread generous amounts of frosting between each layer, building up the cake until all layers are stacked. Apply a crumb coat of frosting to seal in any loose crumbs and refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set. After chilling, cover the cake with a final layer of frosting, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
Adding Toppings
For the finishing touch, enhance the visual appeal of the Homemade Orange Julius Cake by adding creative toppings. Consider garnishing the cake with fresh orange slices, zest, or edible flowers for a pop of color and texture. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or orange zest on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to let your creativity shine through as you decorate the cake, making it a visually stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve
To serve this delectable homemade Orange Julius cake, slice it with a sharp knife into generous portions. Pair each slice with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a fruity iced tea to enhance the citrusy flavors.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, store any leftover Orange Julius cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can be kept for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its moist texture and delicious flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for longer storage, ensuring that you can enjoy a slice of this delightful treat whenever you crave it.
Conclusion
Creating homemade Orange Julius cake is a delightful way to indulge in a citrusy dessert that combines the refreshing flavors of oranges with a rich, creamy cake. The recipe provides a straightforward process to whip up this flavorful treat, from mixing the batter to assembling the layers with a zesty syrup and cream cheese frosting. With a few simple ingredients and basic equipment, you can enjoy a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to get creative with your decorations, whether it’s adding orange slices or graham crackers for a finishing touch. By following the serving and storage tips, you can ensure that this delicious cake remains fresh and ready to be enjoyed whenever you crave a burst of citrus goodness.