The Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe is a captivating blend of rich, velvety chocolate and the vibrant zest of orange.
This dessert merges the deep, luxurious notes of cocoa with a refreshing citrus twist, making it both indulgent and invigorating.
Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a grand celebration or a simple afternoon treat, this cake offers a refined take on classic flavors.
Its moist crumb and perfectly balanced sweetness ensure it’s a hit with everyone, while the hint of orange provides a delightful, tangy contrast to the rich chocolate.
The glossy glaze on top not only enhances the cake’s flavor but also adds a sophisticated touch.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, this cake is easy to prepare and promises to impress with its elegant taste and presentation.
How To Prepare Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British-inspired
Calories: 450
Yield: 10 slices
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Zester or grater
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: orange slices or zest for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder in a large bowl to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter, oil, and sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Eggs and Flavorings: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and orange zest to infuse the batter with citrus aroma.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients and freshly squeezed orange juice to the butter mixture, alternating and starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in milk to create a smooth batter.
6. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter between the prepared pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Stir in orange juice, zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides, and garnish with orange slices or zest if desired.
Special Note
For an even more intense orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange extract to the cake batter or frosting.
If you’re a fan of chocolate ganache, consider adding a layer of ganache between the cake layers before applying the frosting. It adds an extra level of decadence to this already indulgent dessert.
Tips For Baking The Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake
Once you’ve chosen your recipe, here are a few tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh oranges and high-quality chocolate will make a world of difference in the flavor of your cake. Avoid using pre-packaged orange juice or low-quality chocolate, as these can result in a lackluster cake.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing your batter can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
3. Properly Prepare Your Pan: To prevent your cake from sticking, make sure to grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly. For Bundt cakes, be especially diligent in getting into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if your cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, give the cake a few more minutes.
5. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let your cake cool completely before adding any frosting or glaze. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, professional-looking finish.
Can I Use Orange Extract Instead Of Fresh Oranges In A Chocolate Orange Cake?
Yes, you can use orange extract as a substitute for fresh oranges. However, fresh oranges provide a more natural and vibrant flavor, along with the added benefit of zest, which enhances the overall taste.
If you choose to use orange extract, start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
What Type Of Chocolate Is Best For A Chocolate Orange Cake?
The best type of chocolate for a chocolate orange cake recipe is high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
Dark chocolate offers a rich, intense flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright, zesty notes of orange.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use semi-sweet chocolate, but avoid milk chocolate as it may overpower the orange flavor.
How Can I Make My Chocolate Orange Cake More Moist?
To make your chocolate orange cake recipe more moist, you can add ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk to the batter.
These ingredients help retain moisture and create a tender crumb. Additionally, be careful not to overbake the cake, as this can cause it to dry out.
Baking the cake at a slightly lower temperature for a longer time can also help maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze A Chocolate Orange Cake?
Yes, you can freeze a chocolate orange cake recipe. To do so, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before adding any frosting or glaze.
Conclusion
As a dedicated cake baker, adding those final touches to your Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe can truly elevate it from delicious to extraordinary.
The Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe is a beautifully balanced dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: the decadence of chocolate and the bright, invigorating flavor of orange.
The cake’s moist texture and rich flavor are complemented perfectly by the glossy orange glaze, making each bite a harmonious blend of sweetness and citrus.
Regardless of how you serve it, the Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe promises to deliver a memorable and satisfying experience, proving that sometimes the most delightful desserts are the ones that combine classic flavors in an unexpected way.