Preparing the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugar until lighter and fluffier, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated. Stir in vanilla and orange zest.
5. Add the dry ingredients in two or three additions, alternating with buttermilk and orange juice. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix on low and stop as soon as everything is combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for about 22 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few soft crumbs.
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out and cool completely.

Making the Frosting

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar to avoid a sugar cloud.
2. Mix in vanilla, orange zest, and a tiny splash of orange juice. Chill for 15 to 20 minutes if the frosting feels too soft.
3. If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk until desired consistency is reached.

Assembling the Cake

1. Once the cake layers are completely cool, level the tops if needed.
2. Place one layer on your serving plate, spread a thick layer of frosting, then add the second layer.
3. For a cleaner finish, apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes before adding the final frosting layer.
4. Optionally brush the cake layers with an orange soak made of orange juice and a little sugar for added moisture.