Craving a slice of indulgent dessert that’s rich, moist, and bursting with flavor? This chocolate orange cake is your answer! It’s a delightful marriage of zesty orange and decadent chocolate that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or just want to treat yourself, this cake is a showstopper. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Small Gatherings
Imagine serving up slices of moist chocolate orange cake at a brunch or tea party. This cake is perfect for those intimate moments where you want to impress without going overboard. Plus, it’s the ultimate conversation starter!
Flexible Pan Options
Whether you’re baking a classic round cake, a trendy chocolate orange bundt cake, or a quick loaf version, this recipe adapts like a charm. Have a quirky bundt pan you’ve been dying to use? This cake is your perfect excuse.
A Unique Flavor Combination
Chocolate and orange are a match made in dessert heaven. The citrus zest balances the richness of chocolate, creating a flavor combo that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s like a spa day for your palate.
Ingredients for Chocolate Orange Cake
Cake Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect base:
Butter
Nothing beats the creamy richness that butter brings to the table—or in this case, the batter.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar
A mix of these sugars adds depth and sweetness, with the molasses in brown sugar enhancing the chocolate notes.
Eggs
The glue that holds this masterpiece together. Whisked eggs ensure a light, airy texture.
Orange (Zest and Juice)
Fresh orange zest and juice bring that signature zing. No bottled orange juice here, please!
Flour & Cocoa Powder
The dynamic duo of structure and chocolate flavor. Be sure to sift the cocoa powder for a silky batter.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda
These leavening agents give the cake its rise and fluffy crumb.
Milk and Vinegar
This duo acts as a buttermilk substitute, keeping the cake ultra moist.
Frosting Ingredients
Powdered Sugar
This fine sugar ensures a smooth and fluffy frosting.
Cocoa Powder
Because a chocolate frosting without cocoa powder just doesn’t cut it.
Optional Melted Semisweet Chocolate
For an extra luscious frosting, drizzle in some melted chocolate. You’ll thank me later!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake
Choosing the Right Cake Pan
A standard 9-inch round pan works beautifully. For something fancy, go for a chocolate orange torte pan or even a bundt shape. Pro tip: grease it well to avoid sticking disasters.
The Best Way to Zest an Orange
Use a microplane grater for fine zest. Remember, you want the orange skin, not the bitter white pith beneath.
Why Milk and Vinegar Are Essential
These two combine to mimic buttermilk, adding acidity that reacts with the baking soda for a tender crumb. It’s science and magic rolled into one.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and both sugars until fluffy and pale. This step ensures your cake has a soft, tender texture.
Adding Eggs and Orange Zest
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the zest. The citrus aroma is bound to put a smile on your face.
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Alternate between adding the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, leaveners) and the wet ones (milk, orange juice). Be gentle to keep the batter light and airy.
Baking the Cake
Pan Preparation
Grease and flour your pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooling the Cake
Let the cake cool completely before frosting. A warm cake plus frosting equals a messy meltdown.
Making the Chocolate Orange Frosting
Combining Ingredients
Whip powdered sugar and cocoa powder with softened butter until smooth. Add orange juice for a citrus kick.
Adding Optional Melted Chocolate
For a richer frosting, stir in melted semisweet chocolate. You’ll end up licking the spoon—guaranteed!
Decorating the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, and for an extra wow factor, garnish with candied orange slices or chocolate shavings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chocolate and Orange Go Together?
Absolutely! The tangy zest of orange complements the richness of chocolate, creating a balanced, delightful flavor.
Why Is My Cake Dry?
A dry cake is usually the result of overbaking or not measuring ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for best results and keep an eye on that oven timer.
How to Store Leftover Cake
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigeration can dry it out, so it’s best avoided unless necessary.
Storage and Serving Tips
Room Temperature Storage
This cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days if kept in an airtight container.
Refrigerating and Freezing the Cake
For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in cling film. Thaw at room temperature when the craving strikes.
Recipe Variations
Double Layer Option
Double the ingredients and bake in two pans for a layered showpiece. Add extra frosting between layers for a grand effect.
Using Other Citrus Fruits
Swap out the orange for lemon or lime for a tangy twist. Lime zest paired with chocolate is an underrated gem!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Fondue Recipe: Perfect for dipping fruit while you wait for your cake to bake!
- Chocolate Raspberry Cake: Another fruity chocolate masterpiece.
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: For a minty-fresh chocolate treat.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Because strawberries and chocolate are always a good idea.
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins: Sneak some veggies into your dessert rotation!
Chocolate Orange Cake
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup 100g brown sugar
- 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup 60ml fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups 190g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup 50g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup 120ml milk
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- For the Frosting:
- 2 cups 240g powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup 25g cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup 60ml fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- Optional 2 oz melted semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- For the Cake:
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy and pale.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by orange zest and juice.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk and vinegar. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Frosting:
- Mix Ingredients: Beat powdered sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and orange juice together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Chocolate (Optional): Stir in melted semisweet chocolate for an extra rich flavor.
- Decorate the Cake:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Garnish with candied orange slices or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- For a layered cake, double the recipe and bake in two pans.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Try swapping orange juice with lemon or lime for a tangy variation.
Get ready to impress your family, friends, or even just yourself with this amazing chocolate orange cake. It’s indulgent, zesty, and so easy to make!
