Name: Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 tbsp orange zest (plus 1 more for garnish); 2 ½ cups all purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 3 eggs (at room temperature); 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup orange juice (cooled); ⅓ cup vegetable oil; Chocolate buttercream or fudge frosting; Chocolate-dipped oranges or additional orange zest for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a bright citrus twist, you have to try this Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake. This cake delivers a perfect balance between the intense cocoa and the refreshing zing of orange, wrapped up in a tender crumb that stays delightfully moist bite after bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe feels like a warm hug — simple to make, yet impressively decadent. Get ready to fall in love with a cake that is as inviting as it is unforgettable!

Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies not only in its flavors but also in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building the cake’s moist texture, vibrant taste, and stunning appearance.

Granulated sugar (2 ½ cups): Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to enhance the cocoa and orange flavors.
Orange zest (2 tbsp plus extra): Infuses the cake with bright citrus notes and aroma that wake up the senses.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy base that gives the cake its structure while keeping it tender.
Cocoa powder (1 cup): Rich, unsweetened, and deeply chocolatey to satisfy every chocolate lover’s craving.
Baking soda (2 tsp) and baking powder (1 tsp): These leavening agents ensure a light crumb with just the right rise.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Help bind the ingredients while contributing to the cake’s richness and moisture.
Buttermilk (1 cup, room temperature): Adds tanginess and keeps the cake irresistibly moist and soft.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Smooths out the flavor profile and joins chocolate and orange in perfect harmony.
Fresh orange juice (1 cup, cooled): Brings real citrus freshness and moisture into every bite.
Oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the cake ultra-moist and adds a tender crumb that lasts.

How to Make Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350° F. Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by spraying them with baking spray that contains flour to prevent sticking. This small step guarantees your beautiful cakes will come out clean and ready for layering.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients with Orange Zest

In a large bowl or the bowl of your mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the sugar and the freshly grated orange zest. Doing this first allows the sugar to absorb the aromatic oils from the zest, infusing the batter with a wonderful citrus fragrance. Then add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently on low speed or whisk by hand until everything is well incorporated, making sure you don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

With the mixer still on low, add eggs one by one, mixing fully after each addition. This step helps to build the cake’s structure and ensures a luscious, consistent batter ready for the liquid ingredients.

Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Slowly pour in the buttermilk, vanilla, orange juice, and oil. Mix on medium speed or by hand for about one minute until the batter is smooth and uniform. The combination of buttermilk and orange juice is what keeps this cake uniquely moist and bright with flavor.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cake tops are firm to the touch and the edges begin to pull away slightly from the pan. Let your cakes cool completely before assembling to maintain their moist texture.

Step 6: Frost and Assemble

Place one cake round on your serving plate or cake board. Spread a generous layer of your favorite chocolate buttercream or fudge frosting. Top with the second cake and cover the entire cake with frosting. For a rustic yet elegant finish, use the back of a spoon and swoop the frosting in gentle waves rather than smoothing it flat.

Step 7: Garnish to Impress

Finish your masterpiece by decorating with chocolate-dipped orange slices or a sprinkle of fresh orange zest. This extra touch not only looks stunning but doubles down on the vibrant orange flavor that makes this cake unique.

How to Serve Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake

Garnishes

Adding chocolate-dipped orange slices or fine strands of orange zest on top makes for a wonderful contrast in texture and an even brighter flavor accent. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add elegance and a refreshing touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with light accompaniments. Consider a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or fresh berries to complement the chocolate and orange notes without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of melted chocolate or orange liqueur syrup for that wow factor at your next gathering. You can even create mini versions in cupcake tins for a fun party treat that still captures all the delicious moisture and flavor of the full-sized Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best; just make sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving to restore softness.

Freezing

This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting.

Reheating

To revive the cake’s moist texture after chilling or freezing, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This subtle warming helps bring back the luscious softness that makes this Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but to mimic the tangy acidity of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This helps maintain the cake’s tender crumb and flavor balance.

Is it necessary to zest the orange, or can I use just the juice?

The zest is essential because it contains oils that give a bright, aromatic flavor that the juice alone can’t provide. Together, zest and juice create the perfect citrus harmony in this cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Be sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What kind of frosting works best with this cake?

A rich chocolate buttercream or fudge frosting pairs beautifully, enhancing both the chocolate and orange flavors while adding creamy richness to every bite.

How do I make dried orange slices for decoration?

To make dried orange slices, slice oranges thinly and bake them at a low temperature (about 200° F) for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally, until they are dry but still slightly pliable. These make gorgeous and edible garnishes for your cake.

Final Thoughts

Making this Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake is like inviting warmth and cheer right into your kitchen. It’s straightforward enough for any baker, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests or treat yourself. Don’t wait for a special occasion — bake this lovely cake today and enjoy the wonderful flavors that only chocolate and orange together can create.

Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Moist and Easy Chocolate Orange Cake combines rich cocoa and fresh orange zest to create a decadent yet bright dessert. The cake uses buttermilk and orange juice for a tender crumb and vibrant citrus flavor, perfect for any celebration or a special treat. Topped with chocolate buttercream and garnished with chocolate-dipped oranges or extra zest, this cake is both visually stunning and deliciously flavorful.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sugar: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl or mixer bowl, combine the granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange zest. Zesting oranges directly over the sugar helps infuse it with citrus aroma and flavor.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the sugar mixture. Mix on low speed or whisk until all dry ingredients are evenly combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
Add Eggs: With the mixer on low speed or using a spatula, add the eggs one at a time, mixing each fully into the batter. This step builds a smooth base for the cake batter.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, orange juice, and vegetable oil while the mixer runs on medium speed or mix by hand for about one minute until the batter is smooth and even in consistency.
Prepare Pans and Bake: Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray containing flour to prevent sticking. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake edges begin to pull away from the sides.
Cool Cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before removing. This prevents the cake from breaking apart.
Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving tray or cake board. Spread a generous layer of chocolate buttercream or fudge frosting atop this bottom layer. Position the second cake on top and cover the entire cake with frosting, using the back of a spoon to create swooping textures for an attractive finish.
Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cake with chocolate-dipped orange slices or a sprinkle of additional orange zest. For a creative touch, add more zest on top of the frosting between the layers before placing the top cake. Serve and enjoy your vibrant chocolate orange cake.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh orange zest.
Make sure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and texture.
Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
You can substitute vegetable oil with light olive oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor twist.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adjusting as needed.
Dried orange slices add beautiful garnish; bake thinly sliced oranges at low heat for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally.
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American