Luscious Orange Velvet Cake A Slice of Sunshine

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, red food coloring, and vinegar until evenly distributed.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, top with the second cake layer, and frost the entire cake.
12. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving.