Description
A rich and indulgent Chocolate Orange Cake where deep cocoa flavor meets vibrant citrus. Moist chocolate layers are infused with fresh orange juice and zest, and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, making it perfect for celebrations or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp orange zest
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup hot water
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 tsp orange zest (optional, for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
- Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add orange zest if desired.
- Let the ganache cool slightly to thicken, then spread between the cake layers and frost the top and sides.
- Optional: Garnish with extra orange zest, candied orange slices, or chocolate curls.
Notes
Use blood orange for a deeper flavor and color.
Add 1 tbsp of orange liqueur to the ganache for a festive twist.
Swap ganache with orange-flavored whipped cream for a lighter option.
To make it dairy-free, use plant-based buttermilk and dairy-free chocolate and cream.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices for 10–15 seconds in the microwave to soften ganache.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
