Chocolate Orange Cake

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and fresh citrus. The deep cocoa flavor melts beautifully with the brightness of orange, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving something special, this Chocolate Orange Cake will make your kitchen smell like a dream and your taste buds dance with delight.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Perfect balance of sweetness and tangy citrus.
• Moist, fluffy texture that stays tender for days.
• Elegant and simple enough for any occasion from birthdays to cozy evenings.
• The orange aroma makes it irresistibly fresh.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup milk (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Orange Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, orange juice, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.

Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth and just combined — do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake
Divide batter evenly into the two pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Frost
Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. To make frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, orange zest, and juice; beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble
Spread frosting between layers and all over the cake. Garnish with candied orange slices or chocolate curls for a stunning finish.

Tips & Variations

• Add chocolate chips for a richer texture.
• Swap orange juice with blood orange for a deeper color and flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• A light drizzle of dark chocolate ganache takes it to the next level.

Storage

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate up to 5 days for longer freshness.
• Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months — just wrap tightly in plastic.

Nutrition Information (per slice, approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	365 kcal
Carbohydrates	48 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	17 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Cholesterol	55 mg
Sodium	180 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	32 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a hot cup of coffee, vanilla ice cream, or fresh whipped cream for a delightful pairing. The chocolate and orange duo also goes beautifully with mint garnish for a touch of color and aroma.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Orange Cake is a timeless treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its silky frosting, zesty notes, and deep chocolate crumb, it’s the kind of dessert that brings a little sunshine to every bite. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever your sweet tooth calls for something extraordinary.

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