ORANGE LAYER CAKE

Orange Layer Cake image

My sister gave me this recipe over 50 years ago...and I still make it for Christmas. With its creamy nut frosting and tangy orange flavor, its a family favorite.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup orange juice
FILLING/FROSTING:
2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in orange zest. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with water and orange juice., Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small saucepan, stir flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cool to lukewarm. , In a small bowl, cream the shortening, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Add cooled milk mixture; beat on high speed for 5 minutes or until fluffy. Remove about 2/3 cup; fold in nuts. Spread between cake layers. , Gradually add confectioners' sugar to remaining filling; beat until fluffy. Frost top and sides of cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 459 calories, Fat 20g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 355mg sodium, Carbohydrate 64g carbohydrate (43g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.