12tablespoonsunsalted butter, at room temperature(170 grams)
1½cupsgranulated sugar(300 grams)
1teaspoongrated orange peel
3cups all-purpose flour, sifted before measuring(380 grams)
2½teaspoonsbaking powder
¼teaspoonbaking soda
½teaspoonsalt
1cupfresh orange juice
Orange Buttercream Frosting
2sticksunsalted butter, very soft(230 grams)
4cupsconfectioners’ sugar, plus more as needed
½cupfresh orange juice
1teaspoongrated orange zest
Optional: orange food coloring
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the eggs on high speed for 5 minutes. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and orange peel, beating until light and fluffy.
Add the beaten eggs and beat for 2 minutes to combine.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the orange juice, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat until smooth.
Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Orange Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add 3 cups of the sugar, the orange juice, and zest. Begin beating on low until sugar is absorbed.
Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Beat, scraping sides of bowl, until light and fluffy. then continue adding more sugar to taste.
Optional: Add a drop or two of food coloring for a deeper orange hue.
Use immediately or store at room temperature for up to 2 days.