Deliciously Moist Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate and orange make a delightful pair, blending the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate with the bright, zesty notes of fresh oranges. This chocolate orange cake is an inviting dessert that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a treat for yourself.

The combination of cocoa powder and fresh orange juice creates a moist cake that is both indulgent and refreshing. The aroma of baking chocolate, infused with citrus, will fill your kitchen and entice everyone who walks by. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll be able to create a dessert that impresses without overwhelming Chocolate Orange Cake.

Ingredients Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3.5 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (for frosting)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (for frosting)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for frosting)

Directions & Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange juice, and hot water to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
5. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined. Then add the heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top of the frosting.
9. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Optionally, garnish with orange slices or chocolate shavings for an added touch.
10. Slice and serve your chocolate orange cake, enjoying the rich flavors and delightful aromas with each bite.

FAQs

What should I do if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, ensure you’re measuring flour correctly, and don’t overbake it. Consider adding a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water to moisten the layers.

Can I use a different citrus juice instead of orange?

Yes, lemon or tangerine juice can be used as a substitute for orange juice, but the flavor will vary accordingly.

What if my frosting is too thick?

If your frosting is too thick, gradually add more heavy cream or a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

How can I enhance the chocolate flavor in the cake?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a bit of espresso powder to the batter; it will deepen the chocolate taste without making the cake taste like coffee.

What adjustments should I make if I want to make a single-layer cake?

To make a single-layer cake, halve the recipe and bake in a 9-inch round pan for 25-30 minutes.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, adding chocolate chips can provide extra texture and flavor. Just fold in about one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips gently before pouring the batter into the pans.

Conclusion

This chocolate orange cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a burst of citrus brightness to the table. It’s a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite among friends and family.

Baking this cake is more than just making a dessert; it’s an opportunity to create memories and share joy. Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to share the recipe with others who would appreciate this delightful treat.

Recipe Card Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Make Chocolate Orange Cake with clear steps, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice for frosting
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice for glaze
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar for glaze

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
3. In another bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange juice, and hot water. Stir until combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
8. Add the heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the frosting. Mix until well combined and fluffy.
9. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
10. For the glaze, combine the fresh orange juice and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool slightly.
11. Drizzle the glaze over the frosted cake before serving.

Notes Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.

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