Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a cake that combines the deep, rich taste of chocolate with a bright, zesty pop of orange, then this Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this cake turns out moist and flavorful with just the right balance of citrus zing and chocolatey goodness. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Trust me, once you make this, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. A couple of things—make sure to use fresh oranges for that real zesty punch, and whole milk to give the cake its tender crumb.

• Butter: Room temperature for easy creaming and fluffy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs well with chocolate.
• White Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with cake structure.
• Egg and Egg Yolk: Provide richness and help the cake set.
• Navel Orange Zest: Freshly grated for that lively citrus aroma and flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose works perfectly here.
• Cocoa Powder: Choose unsweetened for true chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that make the cake rise just right.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances all the sweet and citrus flavors.
• Whole Milk: Adds tenderness; dairy alternatives won’t give the same texture.
• White Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift—you don’t want to skip this!
• Semisweet Chocolate (for frosting): Melted and cooled to make the frosting extra luscious.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifted for smooth, creamy frosting.
• Fresh Orange Juice (for frosting): Adds citrus brightness and softens the frosting’s sweetness.

Variations

I like to keep this Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe pretty classic, but there are a few ways you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Play around with what you have on hand, or twist it for a special occasion!

• Add a splash of orange liqueur: I tried this once for a grown-up twist, and it gave the frosting an extra kick that my family loved.
• Swap the semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate: Use 70% cacao for a richer, less sweet frosting that’s perfect if you prefer bittersweet notes.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend; just watch your baking time since it might vary slightly.
• Turn it vegan: I haven’t tried this exact recipe veganized, but substituting plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and an egg replacer could work—just a heads up that texture might change a bit.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Step 1: Get Set Up and Cream the Sugar and Butter

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round or square pan with non-stick spray. I always line mine with parchment paper for easy removal. Then, grab a large bowl and beat together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—it takes about a minute with an electric mixer. This step is key because it ensures your cake has a lovely tender crumb.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Zest

Next, mix in the whole egg, the additional egg yolk, and the zest from half your orange. The zest infuses the batter with that unmistakable citrus brightness. Make sure not to include any of the bitter white pith under the zest!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Beat just for a few seconds so they start blending in. You don’t want to over-mix here because that can make the cake tough.

Step 4: Mix the Milk and Vinegar, Then Add to Batter

Stir together the milk and vinegar in a separate cup—this small reaction softens the cake and helps with rise. Pour this into your batter, then beat just until everything is combined. The batter should be smooth but don’t overdo it.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven for about 20-22 minutes. I like to check with a toothpick about 20 minutes in—when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake’s done. Pull it out and let it cool completely before frosting; patience here pays off for the best texture.

Step 6: Whip Up That Fabulous Frosting

While the cake is cooling, get started on the frosting. Beat together softened butter, orange zest, fresh orange juice, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until creamy. Then, stir in melted semisweet chocolate—this turns the frosting into pure magic. Spread it generously over your cooled cake and add a bit more orange zest on top to make it extra special.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra fresh orange zest on top of the frosted cake—it adds a bright, fresh aroma and looks gorgeous. Sometimes, I add a few chocolate shavings or curls for a little drama and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. I also enjoy serving it alongside fresh berries, which add a juicy pop and balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this chocolate orange cake with slices of candied orange in between. Another idea is to cut it into mini squares and serve on decorative skewers with orange zest curls —perfect for parties or afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a few slices, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. I usually slice it first for easy grab-and-go servings.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake unfrosted—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost as usual. I find the texture holds up really well after freezing.

Reheating

If you like your cake warm, slice individual pieces and microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften it without melting the frosting. Alternatively, letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving works great too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s been my go-to when I want something simple yet show-stopping to share. The bright citrus mingling with the deep chocolate never fails to delight, and it’s so forgiving even if you’re in a baking hurry. Honestly, I can’t recommend it enough—make it soon and see why it’s so beloved in my kitchen and hopefully yours too!

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