Chocolate Orange Cake with Rich Orange-Infused Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both decadent and delightfully fresh, you’re going to want to try this Chocolate Orange Cake with Rich Orange-Infused Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how the zesty orange cuts through the deep chocolate flavor, making it feel light yet indulgent—perfect for any occasion from casual teatime to something a bit more special. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step, share my personal tips, and help you nail this fan-freaking-tastic treat without a hitch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Cake with Rich Orange-Infused Frosting Recipe plays its part beautifully. I always recommend using fresh orange zest and juice for the fullest flavor. Also, the choice of whole milk and a touch of vinegar ensures the cake is tender and airy without being heavy.

• Butter: Use unsalted, softened butter to control salt levels and get a creamy batter.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs so well with chocolate.
• White Sugar: Balances sweetness and texture in the cake.
• Eggs: One whole egg plus one yolk give richness while keeping the crumb light.
• Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest is key for that bright, aromatic orange flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here—holds everything together beautifully.
• Cocoa Powder: I use natural unsweetened cocoa for that classic chocolate intensity.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The duo works with vinegar for a great rise and tender crumb.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Whole Milk: Provides richness and moisture—trust me, it makes a difference!
• White Vinegar: Don’t skip this; it reacts with the leavening agents to give that light texture.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed for the frosting to keep it vibrant and fresh.
• Powdered Sugar: For a smooth, silky frosting that spreads like a dream.
• Semisweet Chocolate: Optional, but adds a divine richness when melted and mixed into the frosting.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Chocolate Orange Cake with Rich Orange-Infused Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to adapt to what you have or prefer. I’ve tried a few tweaks over time, and I encourage you to play with flavor and texture—it’s part of the fun!

• Gluten-Free Variation: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cake safe for gluten intolerance; it bakes up just as moist and flavorful.
• Dairy-Free Version: Though I recommend whole milk, you can substitute with oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Extra Citrus Kick: Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest along with the orange for a zesty surprise—my guests were pleasantly hooked!
• Chocolate Chips: Toss in a half cup of orange-flavored or plain dark chocolate chips into the batter for little bursts of melted chocolate in each bite.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cake with Rich Orange-Infused Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to spray an 8-inch square or round baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to make sure your cake slides out cleanly later. If you only have a 9-inch pan, that’ll work fine too—just keep a close eye on the bake time, as it may cook a bit faster.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and creamy, about one minute. I find that using an electric mixer makes this step a breeze. This step is key for a tender, moist crumb, so don’t rush it—your arm will thank you!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Orange Zest

Next, crack in one whole egg plus an extra egg yolk (reserve the white for another recipe, like a meringue). Add in the zest of half a large navel orange—freshly grated, of course! Beat everything again until just combined. The orange zest smells incredible here, and it’s what makes this cake stand out.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt evenly over the wet mixture. Give it a short beat with your mixer — just a few seconds—to start blending, but don’t overmix yet. This helps integrate everything smoothly before adding the liquids.

Step 5: Mix Milk and Vinegar, Then Add

In a separate cup, stir together the whole milk with the white vinegar. This little trick makes a quick “buttermilk” substitute, which keeps the cake tender. Pour this into the batter and beat just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything incorporated but not beaten to death.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scrape your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20-22 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to test doneness—when it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. I’ve learned the hard way that pulling it out too soon causes the middle to sink as it cools, so be patient and trust the toothpick test.

Step 7: Let the Cake Cool Completely

Set your cake on a wire rack and cool it completely before frosting. This can be the hardest part for me because the smell is so tempting! But if you frost too soon, the frosting will melt—so resist or use that time to prepare your frosting.

Step 8: Make the Rich Orange-Infused Frosting

In a bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with fresh orange zest, orange juice, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Beat everything with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Now, here’s the magic: gently folding in 2 ounces of melted, slightly cooled semisweet chocolate takes the frosting to next-level richness—though, honestly, it’s delicious even if you skip the chocolate.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread your luscious orange-infused frosting over the cooled cake. For a final touch, sprinkle a little extra fresh orange zest on top. This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it’ll keep well if covered for a couple of days. I love serving it with a cup of strong coffee or a nice Earl Grey tea—it’s a match made in dessert heaven.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cake with Rich Orange-Infused Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest to highlight the citrus notes. Sometimes, I add a few candied orange peel strips or even some dark chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance—it always gets compliments and adds a nice texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is quite rich, I like pairing it with light sides like a fresh berry salad or a dollop of whipped cream. For a grown-up dessert, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of espresso makes it irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this cake into a two-tier dessert by doubling the recipe and using orange slices between layers for a stunning effect. Alternatively, serve it as mini cupcakes with a swirl of the orange frosting on top—perfect for parties and easier to share!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—for up to 3 days. The frosting stays soft and flavorful, and the cake remains tender. Just make sure it’s covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

If I need to freezer-stash the cake, I wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the frosting intact.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer a softer, almost melty frosting experience. Just be careful not to overheat or the frosting might get too soft and runny.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Cake with Rich Orange-Infused Frosting Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts because it’s just so comforting yet elegant. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded of cozy afternoons spent chatting with friends over cups of tea and cake. I genuinely hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a little sunshine and chocolate happiness into everyone’s day. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions—I’m right here cheering you on in your kitchen adventure!

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