Chocolate Orange Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate-orange pairing, this cake will win your heart. It features moist chocolate cake layers infused with orange zest and juice, layered and topped with a luscious chocolate orange ganache or buttercream. The citrus cuts through the richness of the chocolate, adding a fresh, fragrant element that elevates the entire dessert. It’s easy to make, elegant enough for special occasions, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter or oil
• Orange zest
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk or buttermilk
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
• Heavy cream (for ganache or frosting)

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together sugar, butter (or oil), eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Combine and add liquids: Slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients and orange juice/milk to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
6. Make ganache or frosting: Heat heavy cream until just simmering and pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly before using.
7. Assemble the cake: Spread ganache or frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
8. Optional garnish: Decorate with candied orange peel, orange zest, or chocolate shavings for a stunning finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10 to 12 people.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Assembly and chilling time: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Orange Cupcakes: Turn this recipe into cupcakes with a piped orange chocolate buttercream on top.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Add a marmalade layer: Spread orange marmalade between the cake layers for added citrus flavor.
• Vegan-friendly: Use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs to adapt this cake for a plant-based diet.
• Add crunch: Mix in chopped candied orange peel or nuts like hazelnuts or almonds for texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the texture.

To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for flavor, but you can use bottled in a pinch. Just avoid juices with added sugar or preservatives.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped at room temperature. Assemble on the day of serving.

What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a smooth, rich ganache with balanced sweetness.

How do I enhance the orange flavor?

Use a generous amount of fresh zest and consider adding a splash of orange extract for a more pronounced citrus flavor.

Can I use orange-flavored chocolate?

Absolutely! Orange-flavored chocolate or chocolate-orange bars can be melted into the ganache for an extra boost of citrus.

Why did my cake come out dry?

Overbaking is the most common reason. Check your cake a few minutes early and use a toothpick test. Also, using oil instead of butter can increase moisture.

Can I make this recipe into a loaf cake?

Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly—typically 45–50 minutes for a loaf pan.

What frosting pairs well besides ganache?

A chocolate orange buttercream or cream cheese frosting also complements the cake beautifully.

Can I omit the chocolate and make it just an orange cake?

You can! Replace the cocoa powder with more flour and keep the orange components for a citrus-only version.

Is this cake too rich for kids?

Not at all! The orange flavor lightens the richness, making it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Cake is a beautiful marriage of bold chocolate and bright citrus, offering a refreshing twist on a traditional dessert. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day you want something special, this cake brings elegance and flavor to the table. With its moist crumb, fragrant zest, and silky chocolate topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Chocolate Orange Cake

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chocolate Orange Cake is a rich, moist cake infused with the bright flavor of fresh oranges and deep cocoa. Topped with a silky chocolate orange ganache, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and citrusy freshness.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter or 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream sugar, butter (or oil), eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
4. Alternately add dry ingredients and orange juice/milk to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. To make ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let cool to spreading consistency.
8. Assemble by spreading ganache between cake layers, then over the top and sides.
9. Optional: Garnish with orange zest, chocolate shavings, or candied orange peel.

Notes

• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• For stronger orange notes, add 1/2 tsp orange extract to the batter or ganache.
• Substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
• The ganache can be replaced with chocolate orange buttercream for a fluffier topping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg