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Chocolate Orange Cake

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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.

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)

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chocolate-orange-cake-2/