Description
A moist and rich chocolate cake infused with fresh orange zest and juice, layered with a smooth chocolate-orange frosting for a bright citrus twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice (for frosting)
1 tsp orange zest (for frosting)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
4. Slowly stir in hot coffee until fully combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy.
9. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, orange juice, orange zest, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
10. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with extra orange zest if desired and serve.
Notes
Fresh orange zest gives the strongest citrus flavor—avoid bottled substitutes.
Replace coffee with hot water if preferred, though coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chocolate Orange Cake, citrus chocolate cake, orange zest dessert, layered chocolate cake