Galentine's Orange Cream Cake

Name: Galentine's Orange Cream Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2 tablespoons grated orange zest; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; More grated orange zest for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making this Galentine's Orange Cream Cake each year to celebrate my friends. The burst of fresh orange flavor combined with a rich cream filling makes this dessert a standout. Not only does it look beautiful on the table, but it also tastes incredible! We really enjoy sharing this cake during our annual Galentine's Day gathering, and it never fails to impress. I love how easy it is to put together yet it feels so indulgent—perfect for expressing appreciation for those special people in my life.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:53:27.620Z

When I first made this cake, I was surprised at how the simple combination of oranges and cream created such a delightful flavor profile. Using fresh orange zest in the cake batter really enhances the citrus note, making every bite refreshing. I also learned that allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is key; it won’t be a runny mess, and the layers stay beautifully defined.

My friends often ask for the secret to the creamy filling, and I reveal that it’s all about folding in whipped cream gently into the mixture. This technique makes the filling light and airy, an ideal counterpart to the denser cake. Each slice is a perfect harmony of flavors, winning the hearts of everyone at our gatherings!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh orange zest adds a vibrant flavor that brightens your day.
The luscious cream filling creates a wonderful contrast to the cake.
Perfect to share with friends during Galentine’s celebrations!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The use of fresh orange zest is crucial to achieving that vibrant, citrusy flavor that makes this cake special. Not only does it enhance the aroma, but it also adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. If you don't have fresh oranges on hand, you can use bottled orange extract, but the flavor won't be as refreshing or aromatic. A little goes a long way, so keep that in mind if you're opting for this substitute.

For the cream filling, it's important to use heavy cream to achieve that luscious, airy texture. Make sure your cream cheese is softened; this prevents lumps and ensures a silky smooth filling. If you're short on time, you can microwave the cream cheese in short bursts (around 10 seconds) to soften it more quickly, but watch closely to avoid melting it. This cream filling also works well with other flavors—consider adding a splash of almond extract or a bit of cocoa powder.

Baking Tips

When baking the cakes, check your oven's accuracy with an oven thermometer if you're unsure. The cakes are done when they're golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process to prevent over-baking. Each oven is different, so be mindful of how your cake looks as it nears the 30-minute mark.

Cooling the cakes is a pivotal step. Allow them to rest in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling duration helps set the structure of the cakes, preventing them from breaking apart. If you skip this, you might end up with a cake that crumbles. Once transferred to the rack, be patient and let them cool completely before frosting, as this keeps the filling from melting and makes for a cleaner finish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Galentine's Orange Cream Cake!

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Filling

1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
More grated orange zest for garnish

Make sure to prepare all the ingredients in advance for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Galentine's Orange Cream Cake.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add in the eggs, milk, orange zest, and vanilla, mixing well.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Filling

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream gently.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the cream filling between the layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining filling.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with extra orange zest before serving. Enjoy with your friends!

Enjoy your delicious cake with friends and celebrate Galentine's Day!

Pro Tips

For an extra tangy flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the cream filling. This will also enhance the creamy consistency.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The Galentine's Orange Cream Cake can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for party planning. Bake the cakes up to a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to add the frosting just before serving to maintain its fluffy texture.

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake can last about 3-4 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to preserve it longer, consider freezing individual slices—just wrap them well in plastic and then foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a delicious treat that tastes just as good as the day it was baked.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Galentine's celebration, consider serving the cake with fresh berries on the side, such as strawberries or raspberries. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the cake and adds a beautiful pop of color. You could also drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce on the plate for an extra decadent touch.

Another fun variation is to layer the cake with other flavors—think lemon curd or raspberry preserves between the layers of filling. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also introduces appealing visuals when sliced. Feel free to get creative with toppings, too; a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a handful of chopped nuts can add a nice crunch and contrast to the creamy filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different citrus fruits?

Absolutely! You can substitute lemon or lime zest for orange if you prefer a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them wrapped in plastic in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to assemble.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese substitute to make the cake and filling dairy-free.