Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

This super moist chocolate orange cake is a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the bright, refreshing notes of orange. Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings, this cake stands out with its one-bowl preparation and luscious chocolate orange buttercream frosting. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe will impress your friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Bowl Wonder: This recipe simplifies baking by requiring only one bowl for mixing, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of chocolate and fresh orange creates a unique flavor profile that is both decadent and refreshing.
• Versatile Occasion: Ideal for celebrations, potlucks, or just an indulgent dessert at home.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the use of fresh orange juice and zest, every slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Customizable Frosting: You can adjust the sweetness of the chocolate orange buttercream to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking this cake easy and enjoyable. Gather these essentials before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl ensures you have enough space to combine all ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, saving time and effort.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowl, ensuring no ingredients are left behind.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Moist Chocolate Orange Cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 2 1/2 cups Flour
• 1/2 cup Cocoa powder
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 3 Eggs
• 3/4 cup Vegetable oil
• 1 cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup Hot coffee
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp Orange zest
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 340 g Butter
• 2 cups Powder sugar
• 1/3 cup Cocoa powder
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 100 g Semisweet chocolate (melted and cooled)
• 1 tsp Orange zest

How to Make Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with vegetable oil or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
2. Add eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, hot coffee, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
– Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Mix in vanilla extract, melted chocolate, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
– Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
– Top with the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides as desired.

Enjoy your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake as a centerpiece for any gathering!

How to Serve Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

Serving your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful suggestions to make each slice special.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries complements the rich chocolate flavor.
• Raspberries: Their tartness adds a nice contrast to the moist cake.
• Blueberries: These add a burst of juiciness that works well with the orange notes.

Drizzle with Citrus Syrup

• Orange Syrup: A light drizzle of orange syrup enhances the citrus flavor and adds shine.
• Chocolate Glaze: Pouring warm chocolate glaze on top creates an indulgent finish.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream balances the richness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Infuse with vanilla or orange zest for an extra flavor boost.

Garnish with Candied Orange Slices

• Candied Oranges: Thinly sliced oranges, gently cooked in sugar, provide a decorative and tasty garnish.

How to Perfect Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

Creating the perfect Moist Chocolate Orange Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh oranges and quality cocoa powder will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Measure Accurately: Proper measurements ensure that your cake has the right texture and moisture level.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
• Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before frosting for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy ice cream pairs beautifully with chocolate flavors, offering a nice temperature contrast.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Serve alongside for a double chocolate treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
4. Citrus Sorbet: This refreshing sorbet can cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake.
5. Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provide a nice texture contrast and can be dipped in coffee or tea.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses complements the sweetness without being overpowering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder, cocoa powder, and flour. Expired ingredients can lead to a flat cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and moist. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Skipping the zest: Orange zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; use fresh zest for the best taste.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients precisely. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients whenever possible.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Let the cake cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the icing to melt and slide off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
• The cake will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm individual slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power for quick serving.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Moist Chocolate Orange Cake, read through these FAQs for more tips!

How do I make my Moist Chocolate Orange Cake even more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding more orange zest or incorporating orange extract into your batter.

Can I substitute other oils in this recipe?

Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or other neutral oils if desired. Just avoid strong-flavored oils that may alter the taste.

What can I serve with Moist Chocolate Orange Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or fresh fruit like berries or additional orange slices.

How do I ensure my cake rises properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you don’t overmix your batter. Also, oven temperature should be accurate; consider using an oven thermometer.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Chocolate Orange Cake is not only rich and delicious but also easy to customize! You can experiment with different frostings or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dessert at your next gathering!

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Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and bright orange with this Moist Chocolate Orange Cake. Made with simple ingredients, this cake is a one-bowl wonder that’s perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to festive gatherings. Each slice boasts a tender crumb, thanks to freshly squeezed orange juice and zest that elevate the chocolate flavor. Topped with a luscious chocolate orange buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to impress both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is your new go-to for a decadent dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 340 g butter (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 100 g semisweet chocolate (melted)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
3. Stir in eggs, oil, orange juice, hot coffee, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in melted chocolate and orange zest until smooth.
7. Assemble the cake by frosting between layers and on top as desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg