If you love the irresistible combination of chocolate and citrus, then this Easy Orange Chocolate Cake is a must-try! The rich, moist chocolate cake is perfectly balanced with the bright, fresh flavors of orange, making each bite an indulgent treat. The chocolate cake is dense and fudgy, while the orange flavor adds a refreshing citrusy zing that cuts through the richness, creating a perfect harmony between the two.

What makes this cake even better is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any special skills or fancy equipment to prepare it. The simple ingredients come together in no time, and the result is a decadent, flavorful cake that looks like you’ve spent hours baking it. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress.

With its combination of chocolate and orange, this Easy Orange Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a treat that everyone will love, and it’s easy enough to make whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious, homemade dessert.

Easy Orange Chocolate Cake is a rich, fudgy chocolate cake with a zesty kick of orange. The combination of chocolate and citrus is a timeless flavor pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser. This cake is simple to make, with minimal ingredients and prep time, but delivers a decadent, flavorful result.

The cake itself is moist and full of rich chocolate flavor, with the added brightness of fresh orange zest and juice. Topped with an orange-infused chocolate glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or an orange enthusiast, this cake will hit the spot and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Exciting Story:

I first made this Easy Orange Chocolate Cake when I was experimenting with different flavor combinations for a family gathering. I had a batch of ripe oranges sitting on the counter and thought, “Why not pair this fresh citrus with chocolate?” It was a match made in dessert heaven. The orange added such a bright, refreshing contrast to the deep richness of the chocolate, and the cake came out so moist and flavorful that I couldn’t wait to share it with my family.

When I served it at dinner, everyone was so impressed by how light and moist the cake was, and they couldn’t stop commenting on how the orange perfectly complemented the chocolate. Since then, it’s become a staple in our home. Every time I make it, it’s a hit. The best part is that it’s so simple to make, yet it feels like a special dessert every time.

This Easy Orange Chocolate Cake has quickly become a family favorite, and I make it for everything from birthdays to casual dinner parties. The combination of chocolate and orange is just irresistible, and it’s always the first dessert to disappear.

Why This Easy Orange Chocolate Cake:

• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, this cake comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for both experienced and beginner bakers.
• Rich and Flavorful: The deep, fudgy chocolate cake paired with the fresh, zesty orange flavor creates a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Moist and Tender: The cake has a moist, tender crumb that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
• Refreshing Twist: The addition of orange adds a refreshing citrusy note that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.

What You Need For Easy Orange Chocolate Cake:

For the cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

How to Make Easy Orange Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the glaze: While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the orange juice and orange zest until well combined.
7. Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the orange chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious, zesty orange chocolate cake!

Tips for Easy Orange Chocolate Cake:

• Orange Zest: Be sure to use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. Avoid using too much pith (the white part of the peel) as it can be bitter.
• Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too much.
• Extra Citrus: If you love citrus, feel free to add a bit more orange zest or juice to the cake or glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Different Citrus: While orange is classic, you can try using lemon or lime for a slightly different citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts to the batter for added texture.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lower-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit to reduce the sugar content.
• Low-Fat: Substitute the whole milk with skim milk or a non-dairy milk like almond milk, and use light sour cream for the glaze.
• Oil-Free: Replace the vegetable oil with applesauce to reduce the fat content while keeping the cake moist.

Closing for Easy Orange Chocolate Cake:

And there you have it! This Easy Orange Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s rich, moist, and bursting with bright orange flavor that pairs beautifully with the indulgent chocolate. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to be a hit. Let us know how your cake turns out, and be sure to check out more of our easy, delicious recipes for more sweet inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Orange Chocolate Cake:

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just glaze it before serving.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the glaze, depending on your taste preference.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it before glazing and serving.

Can I use orange juice concentrate instead of fresh orange juice?
Fresh orange juice will give the best flavor, but you can use concentrate in a pinch.

Can I make this cake without a glaze?
Yes, you can skip the glaze and serve the cake as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler version.

Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cake.

How can I make the cake more moist?
Ensure that you don’t overbake the cake, and consider adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

What can I serve this cake with?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use an 8-inch round pan or a rectangular pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
Yes, a bundt pan works well for this cake, but check the baking time and ensure the cake is baked through before removing it.

Can I add orange liqueur to the cake?
Yes, a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or Cointreau can enhance the orange flavor if desired.

Can I make this cake without the orange zest?
If you prefer a less citrusy flavor, you can omit the zest, but it adds a lovely aromatic flavor to the cake.

Can I substitute the oil with butter?
Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, non-dairy butter, and dairy-free chocolate for a completely dairy-free cake.

This Easy Orange Chocolate Cake is a delightful blend of chocolate and citrus that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every slice of this indulgent dessert!

Easy Orange Chocolate Cake

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cake, Chocolate, Snacks, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)

• ½ cup fresh orange juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the glaze:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon orange juice

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Directions

• Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
• Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Make the glaze: While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the orange juice and orange zest until well combined.
• Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the orange chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious, zesty orange chocolate cake!