Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

This Moist Chocolate Orange Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with the refreshing zest of oranges. Perfect for celebrations or just as a sweet indulgence, this cake is easy to make in one bowl, ensuring minimal cleanup. The luscious chocolate orange buttercream frosting makes it truly irresistible and adds a unique twist that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Bowl Wonder: Save time on cleanup with this simple one-bowl recipe that mixes everything together with ease.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of chocolate and fresh orange creates a deliciously moist cake that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Versatile Delight: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a stunning dessert.
• Easy to Customize: You can add extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Decadent Frosting: The chocolate orange buttercream frosting elevates the cake, making it perfect for special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking this moist chocolate orange cake, gathering the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly, ensuring even mixing without effort.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for creating a uniform cake that bakes evenly throughout.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool properly, preventing sogginess while ensuring it maintains its structure.

Ingredients

This super moist chocolate orange cake is made in one bowl and is made with fresh oranges, and frosted with chocolate orange buttercream.

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). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with vegetable oil or butter. This will help the cake release easily once baked.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. Flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Granulated sugar
6. Kosher salt

Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the following wet ingredients to the dry mixture:
1. Eggs
2. Vegetable oil
3. Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
4. Hot coffee
5. Vanilla extract

Using an electric mixer, blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare your frosting by creaming together:
– Butter
– Powder sugar
– Cocoa powder
– Vanilla extract

Mix until fluffy, then fold in melted semisweet chocolate and orange zest.

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake is completely cooled, generously spread the chocolate orange buttercream frosting over the top using a rubber spatula for an even layer.

Now enjoy every bite of this delicious Moist Chocolate Orange Cake!

How to Serve Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

Serving your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake can elevate any occasion. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance the experience for your guests.

With Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of flavor and color, complementing the chocolate and orange beautifully.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair each slice with vanilla or orange sorbet for a delightful contrast in temperature and taste.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence; drizzle it over the cake just before serving for an eye-catching presentation.

Garnished with Candied Oranges

• Top each slice with candied orange slices to amplify the citrus flavor while adding a sweet crunch.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a creamy texture that balances the rich chocolate cake perfectly.

How to Perfect Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

To ensure your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh oranges: Using freshly squeezed orange juice and zest enhances the flavor and aroma of your cake significantly.
• Measure accurately: Ensure you measure all ingredients precisely to maintain the right texture and moisture level in the cake.
• Avoid overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s done without being dry.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting, preventing it from melting and sliding off.

Best Side Dishes for Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

Enjoying your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake can be enhanced with these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors well.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate cake, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
2. Citrus Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal citrus fruits can cleanse the palate between bites, elevating the tasting experience.
3. Chocolate Mousse
   Rich, airy chocolate mousse adds an elegant touch and pairs wonderfully with the chocolate-orange combination.
4. Fruit Compote
   A warm fruit compote made from berries or stone fruits can add an unexpected twist while harmonizing flavors beautifully.
5. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese for a savory balance that counteracts sweetness wonderfully.
6. Espresso or Coffee
   Serving a small cup of espresso or coffee alongside enhances the flavors in the chocolate cake while providing a warm beverage option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Moist Chocolate Orange Cake, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the zest: Failing to include orange zest can lead to a flat flavor. Always add this ingredient to enhance the cake’s citrus notes.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can toughen your cake. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or liquids can affect how well the ingredients blend. Let them sit at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on cooking time can result in an under or overbaked cake. Use a toothpick to test if it comes out clean before removing it from the oven.
• Inadequate cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If layered with frosting, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you can track freshness easily.

Reheating Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Moist Chocolate Orange Cake, look no further!

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

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa.

Can I substitute orange juice in this recipe?

Yes! You can use other fruit juices like tangerine or grapefruit juice for a different citrus twist.

What is the best way to frost my Moist Chocolate Orange Cake?

Use room-temperature butter for your frosting, which will help achieve that creamy consistency. A piping bag can create beautiful designs!

How should I store leftover cake?

Store your leftover Moist Chocolate Orange Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate it if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Chocolate Orange Cake is not only rich and delicious but also versatile enough to impress at any gathering. You can customize it with different frostings or by adding nuts and dried fruits. Give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Moist Chocolate Orange Cake

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Moist Chocolate Orange Cake, a delightful blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This one-bowl wonder is not only easy to make, requiring minimal cleanup, but it also features a luscious chocolate orange buttercream frosting that elevates its flavor profile. Perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. With the combination of freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, every bite bursts with vibrant citrus flavor, making this cake an irresistible choice for dessert lovers.

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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 (for frosting)
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 100 g semisweet chocolate (melted and cooled for frosting)
• 1 tsp orange zest (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, hot coffee, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth using an electric mixer.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, cream together butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until fluffy. Fold in melted chocolate and orange zest.
7. Once cooled, frost the cake generously with the chocolate orange buttercream.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg