How to Make the Best Chocolate Orange Cake
Chocolate orange cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavor of chocolate with the zesty freshness of orange. This cake is perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge yourself. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to make the best chocolate orange cake, and impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
To create this mouth-watering chocolate orange cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 3: Adding the Wet Ingredients
To the dry ingredients, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix at medium speed using a hand mixer or stand mixer for 2 minutes until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combining Orange Flavor
Stir in the freshly grated orange zest and orange juice into the batter for that refreshing citrus flavor. Mix gently until the zest is evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 5: Bringing in the Boiling Water
Carefully stir in the boiling water. This will make the batter thin, but it’s crucial for achieving a moist cake. Mix until the water is fully incorporated.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Step 7: Preparing the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. For a chocolate orange frosting, you will need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the orange juice, until your desired consistency is reached. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
Step 8: Assembling the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the chocolate orange frosting on top. Place the second cake layer gently on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 9: Decorating (Optional)
For a beautiful finish, you can add orange slices or chocolate shavings on top of the frosted cake. This will not only enhance the appearance but also add flavor.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Your chocolate orange cake is now ready to serve! Slice a piece for yourself and enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate and citrus in every bite. This cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
For best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be refrigerated for several days, allowing the flavors to