Chocolate Orange Cakes Recipes: Best, Easy, N’ Moist

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The marrying of citrus and rich cocoa in a chocolate orange cake is so good! The flavors come together perfectly with zesty freshness and indulgent sweetness.

My appreciation for this classic flavor pairing has led me to experiment with various recipes. I’ve learned that a to-die-for chocolate orange cake depends on the balance between bold chocolate and bright notes of orange.

Whether for a casual afternoon tea or a festive celebration, this cake, with its moist crumb and tantalizing aroma, is easy to make and wins over palates with its captivating flavors.

As I’ve baked my way through different variations, I’ve found that using simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. Quality cocoa powder and real orange juice and zest are the cornerstones of a great chocolate orange cake recipe. They can transform basic pantry staples into a dessert that’s both visually impressive and delicious.

The process isn’t complicated. With the right measurements and a clear set of instructions, even beginning bakers can create a cake that’s bound to impress.

Key Takeaways

  • A chocolate orange cake merges the zestiness of orange with the depth of chocolate.
  • Simple, high-quality ingredients form the foundation of a flavorful cake.
  • The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients and Measurements

A table with bowls of flour, sugar, cocoa, and oranges. Measuring cups and spoons are scattered around, along with a recipe book open to a page titled "Chocolate Orange Cakes."

In making the perfect chocolate orange cake, precision in ingredients and measurements is key. The right balance of flavors and textures depends upon using high-quality ingredients, measured out with care.

Cake Batter Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp orange extract or 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature

Note: If you’re in need of substitutions, plain yogurt can replace buttermilk. If caster sugar is on hand, it can be used instead of granulated sugar for a finer crumb.

Chocolate Orange Frosting

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3-4 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream, as needed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp orange zest or 1 tsp orange extract

For richness, opt for high-quality cocoa powder and real vanilla extract.

Decoration and Extras

To Garnish

  • Chocolate chips or curls
  • Candied orange slices
  • Orange zest for a zesty kick

Optional Add-ins for Batter or Frosting

  • Pinch of salt to enhance flavors
  • A handful of dark chocolate chips folded into the batter
  • A drizzle of melted chocolate atop the frosting

Tip: For added decadence, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. When decorating, let your creativity shine and remember that garnishes should complement both the look and taste of your cake.

Preparation and Baking Instructions

When making chocolate orange cakes, precision is key. I use my kitchen scale and measuring spoons to ensure all ingredients are measured accurately. It’s important to prepare your baking equipment, such as parchment paper and mixing bowls, before you start.

Making the Cake Batter

I begin by preheating my oven so that it’s ready for baking. Using a digital scale, I measure out the dry ingredients, including the flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda. I make sure all measurements are precise for the perfect texture.

Next, I take a separate mixing bowl to whisk together the wet ingredients. I incorporate the delightful orange flavor with fresh zest using my microplane zester. If I’m making a vegan or dairy-free version, I’ll use alternatives like almond milk or a flax egg here.

Baking the Cake

Once my batter is smooth thanks to my stand mixer, I line my cake pans with parchment paper to ensure an easy release after baking. I pour the batter into the pans, using an offset spatula to evenly distribute it.

To check for doneness, I insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven. After a short cooling time in the pan, I transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

For the frosting, the orange flavor is vital, so I zest more oranges and sometimes add a bit of orange extract for an extra zing.

Then, I use my hand mixer to blend the butter. If I’m going dairy-free, I’ll opt for a suitable substitute.

I carefully add in powdered sugar and cocoa powder until the mixture reaches a spreadable consistency. As a final touch, when frosting layer cakes or cupcakes, I use a clean offset spatula to achieve that smooth, professional look.

Best Chocolate Orange Cake Recipes
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Best Chocolate Orange Cake Recipes

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes

Decadent chocolate orange cakes infused with fresh orange juice and zest, topped with a rich chocolate orange frosting and garnished with candied orange slices and chocolate curls.

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 tsp orange extract or 2 tbsp fresh orange zest

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice

  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature

  • For the Chocolate Orange Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 3-4 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream, as needed

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tsp orange zest or 1 tsp orange extract

  • Garnish:

  • Chocolate chips or curls

  • Candied orange slices

  • Orange zest for a zesty kick

Directions

  • Prepare the Cake:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange extract (or zest), fresh orange juice, and eggs until well combined.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Frosting:
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
  • Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest (or extract) until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Assemble the Cake:
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  • Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
  • Garnish:
  • Decorate the cake with chocolate chips or curls, candied orange slices, and a sprinkle of fresh orange zest for an extra zesty kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

A stack of chocolate orange cakes with a plate of sliced oranges on a rustic wooden table. Recipe book open to "Frequently Asked Questions" page

I love the rich blend of chocolate and citrus in a chocolate orange cake, and I know there are some common questions about making it just right. Let’s tackle some of those to help you whip up a delectable dessert that’s both zesty and moist.

How can I make my chocolate orange cake extra moist?

To ensure your chocolate orange cake is wonderfully moist, I use buttermilk or yogurt in the batter. I also never skip the step of adding freshly squeezed orange juice for that perfect tangy kick. A bit of orange zest also infuses the cake with extra flavor.

What’s the simplest way to prepare a chocolate orange cake at home?

When I want to whip up a quick and easy chocolate orange cake, I start with a basic chocolate cake mix. Then, I enrich it with fresh orange zest, orange extract, or a splash of orange liqueur to infuse the citrus flavor.

Can you recommend a trusted chocolate orange cake recipe by a celebrity chef?

Certainly! Jamie Oliver has a chocolate orange cake recipe that balances the richness of chocolate with the zesty freshness of orange. It creates a delicious twist on the classic shortbread that’s pretty straightforward to make.

What are some tips for making the best chocolate orange cake?

For the best chocolate orange cake, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. Also, take the time to cream the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Use high-quality cocoa powder and real chocolate for a deep, luxurious flavor.

How do I incorporate chocolate ganache into an orange cake?

To incorporate a chocolate ganache into your orange cake, simply pour it over the cooled cake as a glaze. For a harmonious blend, you could also add a little orange zest or extract to the ganache, complementing the cake’s citrus notes.

What are the steps to make a chocolate orange cake using cake mix?

Using a cake mix for a chocolate orange cake is a great shortcut.

Just add in some orange zest and substitute a portion of the water with orange juice when mixing.

After baking, you might drizzle it with an orange-infused syrup to intensify the flavor.