Tried this for the first time and it turned out fantastic! Going to be on people's plates during Christmas for sure!

Name: Tried this for the first time and it turned out fantastic! Going to be on people's plates during Christmas for sure!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp orange zest; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:40:53.982Z

This recipe became an instant favorite in my household. The combination of flavors is truly delightful and perfect for holiday gatherings!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Perfect for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a decadent chocolate cake? This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a refreshing hint of orange, making it a perfect festive dessert. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or attending a holiday party, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

As the aroma of this delicious cake fills your home, it will create a warm and inviting atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Christmas. The vibrant orange frosting adds a pop of color, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well. This cake is destined to become a holiday favorite, bringing joy and sweetness to your celebrations.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

One of the best aspects of this chocolate orange cake is its versatility. It's suitable for a variety of occasions, from Christmas dinners to birthday parties and everything in between. The combination of flavors is universally loved, ensuring that both chocolate lovers and those who prefer fruity desserts will enjoy it.

Additionally, this cake is easy to slice and serve, making it an ideal choice for large gatherings. You can even customize the decoration to suit the occasion, whether it’s adding festive sprinkles, fresh fruit, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. This adaptability ensures that it remains a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this cake, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale for more precise measurements, especially for the flour and sugar. Additionally, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this will help create a smoother batter.

Another key to a moist and fluffy cake is not overmixing the batter. Once all the ingredients are combined, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which we want to avoid. Lastly, be sure to check your cakes for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Orange Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate cake with a refreshing hint of orange!

Storing Your Cake

To keep your chocolate orange cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.

If you're preparing in advance, you can also freeze the cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and frost it the next day.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by incorporating different flavors. For a mocha twist, add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the boiling water. You can also swap the orange zest for lemon or lime for a citrusy variation that’s equally delightful.

If you want to elevate the cake further, consider adding a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers before frosting. This addition will introduce a fruity contrast that complements the chocolate and orange beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or ganache would also work wonderfully.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day ahead and frost them just before serving.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.