Chocolate Orange Cake
Chocolate Orange Cake is a delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a hint of citrus. The cake features moist layers infused with orange zest, complemented by a creamy chocolate orange frosting. It's perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
Equipment
- 2 round 8-inch cake pans
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Zester or grater
- Cooling racks
- Offset spatula for frosting (optional)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Orange Frosting:
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar about 336 grams
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the melted chocolate, powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve your delicious Chocolate Orange Cake, and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Notes
Be mindful of the quality of cocoa powder you use—it makes a significant difference in the flavor. For an even deeper orange essence, consider adding a few drops of orange extract to the cake batter.