Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

Are you searching for a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with bright citrus flavor? Look no further than the Easy Chocolate Orange Cake! This delightful treat combines chocolatey decadence with a refreshing hint of orange zest, making it an outstanding choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home. Fun fact: the classic chocolate and orange pairing dates back centuries, but it never goes out of style, especially when it’s in cake form!

What makes this cake special is not only its delicious flavors but also its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can impress your family and friends in no time. If you love our Moist Vanilla Almond Cake, you will adore this chocolatey gem too! So, grab your baking gear, and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe; your taste buds will thank you!

What is Easy Chocolate Orange Cake?

You might be wondering, why is it called the Easy Chocolate Orange Cake? Well, for starters, it’s absolutely easy to whip up! With only a few steps to follow, you’ll be on your way to a chocolatey masterpiece. The name captures both its main flavor profiles – chocolate and orange – which, let’s be honest, are a match made in dessert heaven! It’s like they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and who wouldn’t be won over by a slice of this cake? So, if you’re ever in doubt about what dessert to make, just remember this—give the Easy Chocolate Orange Cake a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

Three key reasons make the Easy Chocolate Orange Cake a must-try in your baking repertoire! First, the main highlight is the blend of velvety chocolate and zesty orange flavors. This cake is so rich and fluffy that it delights the senses with each bite. Second, making this cake at home is quite cost-effective compared to purchasing fancy desserts at a bakery. It’s a simple way to treat yourself without breaking the bank! Lastly, the use of high-quality ingredients, like fresh orange juice and zest, means you are in for a flavor explosion that elevates this home-baked cake to a whole new level.

Compared to traditional chocolate cake, the citrusy twist in this recipe makes it stand out and refreshingly unique, perfect for those moments when you want something a little different. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create something irresistibly delectable!

How to Make Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

Quick Overview

The Easy Chocolate Orange Cake is incredibly easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. With a preparation time of just about 15 minutes and a baking time of 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering showstopper ready in no time. Just imagine the aroma of chocolate mingling with fresh orange wafting through your kitchen—now that’s something worth baking for!

Key Ingredients for Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

To make this delightful cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large orange
• ½ cup fresh orange juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Whisk until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy!
5. Pour and Bake: 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 comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

What to Serve Easy Chocolate Orange Cake With

This cake pairs beautifully with various treats! For a delightful contrast, serve it alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. You could also accompany it with a steaming cup of coffee or a citrusy herbal tea to enhance the orange flavors. Additionally, fresh berries can be a lovely touch, adding vibrant color as well as freshness to your dessert spread.

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

• For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving; this helps prevent any melting or sogginess.
• If you want to swap flavors, try using lemon zest and lemon juice instead of orange for a refreshing twist!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store any leftover Easy Chocolate Orange Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bring it back to room temperature before serving to retain its delightful texture.

There you have it! With its simple yet satisfying ingredients and easy preparation, the Easy Chocolate Orange Cake is perfect for everyone from novice bakers to seasoned pros. So, why not give it a go? Your taste buds will love you for it!

Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

A delightful dessert that perfectly combines rich chocolate with a refreshing hint of orange zest, easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Bakery

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large zest of large orange
• 0.5 cup fresh orange juice

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
• In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Whisk until smooth.
• Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Baking

• 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 comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve as is or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Notes

For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving; this helps prevent any melting or sogginess. For a twist, try using lemon zest and lemon juice instead of orange.

Keyword Baking, Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe, Easy Cake, Orange Cake