Step 1

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees

Step 2

Prepare three 8 inch cake pans by greasing then lining the bottom with parchment paper. I also like to use a rose nail in the center of the pan for more even baking

Step 3

pour milk into a microwave safe container had heat for one minute. You want to milk to be slightly warm, not hot

Step 4

melt the butter in the microwave then add to the warm milk and mix

Step 5

stir in vanilla extract & orange extract. Set aside

Step 6

Beat eggs in electric mixer in large mixing bowl with paddle attachment for 4 minutes.  Do not skip this step!

Step 7

While eggs are beating, In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, all spices and baking powder. Add orange zest if using.

Step 8

When eggs have been beating for 4 minutes add sugar then continue beating for another 4 minutes until light and the batter streams off the beater in ribbons

Step 9

Add dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined, scraping the bowl once. Do this step as quickly as possible. Do not over mix.

Step 10

Pour in warm milk/butter mixture and continue to mix on low until just combined, scraping the bowl once. Do this step quickly also and do not over mix. These last two steps should take less than a minute

Step 11

divide your batter evenly into the 3 pans and bake for 25-28 minutes until the middle springs back when touched, or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let stand in pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely