Step 1

Add room temperature butter to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment. Whip the butter for 5 minutes on medium-high speed, scraping down the sides occasionally, until the butter is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 2

Add one half of the powdered sugar and mix on the lowest speed setting until fully combined. Add remaining powdered sugar and continue to mix on low until incorporated.

Step 3

Add orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt and mix on low until combined.

Step 4

Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while mixing on low speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure the frosting is well mixed.

Step 5

Once the heavy cream is added, turn the speed on the mixer to medium and mix for an additional 3 minutes until smooth.

Step 6

Optional - If you are using a whisk attachment, switch to a paddle attachment and mix the buttercream on low speed for several minutes to remove air bubbles. You can also mix the buttercream by hand with a spatula to smooth it out as well.