1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in orange zest, orange juice, and orange extract for a strong orange flavor.
6. If using, add a few drops of orange food coloring to enhance the cake’s vibrant color.
7. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
8. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
9. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a bit of orange zest or juice until smooth.
13. Once cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over one cake layer.
14. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly.
15. Garnish with additional orange zest, orange slices, or coconut for a decorative touch.
16. Slice and serve your moist, tender Orange Velvet Cake at your special occasion or celebration.