A Slice of Heaven: The Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake

Introduction

Let’s be real—between soccer practice, forgotten permission slips, and the mountain of laundry that seems to regenerate overnight, dessert isn’t always high on the list. But this Chocolate Orange Cake? It might just be your new “you-time” treat disguised as a family dessert.

This cake is rich with cocoa, bright with fresh orange zest, and slathered in a dreamy chocolate-orange frosting that tastes like a grown-up version of those nostalgic chocolate oranges we used to crack open as kids. It’s simple enough to make on a weekday, but decadent enough to serve at your next get-together (if you’re up for sharing, that is).

Why we Love This Chocolate Orange Cake

Quick to Prep – 15 minutes and you’re popping it in the oven.
Pantry-Friendly – No fancy ingredients, just what’s already in your kitchen.
Kid-Approved, Adult-Adored – Sweet but balanced, with a touch of citrus that makes it feel fancy.
Great for Make-Ahead – The flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

The Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

6 tablespoons (85g) butter, room temperature
¾ cup (145g) brown sugar
2 tablespoons (25g) white sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
Zest of ½ large navel orange (~1 tsp)
1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine sea salt
¾ cup whole milk
½ tsp white vinegar

Ingredients for Chocolate Orange Cake laid out on a kitchen counter — All ingredients measured and ready for baking

For the Chocolate Orange Frosting:

8 tablespoons (1 stick; 113g) unsalted butter, softened
½ tsp fresh orange zest
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ cups (168g) powdered sugar
2 oz semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan—or even a loaf pan if that’s what’s clean. No judgment here.

2. Cream Butter & Sugars

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

Close up of a mixing bowl with butter brown sugar and white sugar being creamed using a hand mixer. The mixture is fluffy and light. A hand is holding the mixer mid motion - A Slice of Heaven: The Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake

3. Add Eggs & Orange Zest

Mix in the egg and egg yolk, followed by the orange zest. Scrape down the sides of the bowl for good measure.

Action shot of a whisk blending in an egg and fresh orange zest into the creamed mixture. Orange zest visibly sits on top adding color. A vibrant orange sits on the counter nearby - A Slice of Heaven: The Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake

4. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small cup, mix milk and vinegar. Let it sit for a couple minutes (hello, DIY buttermilk!).

6. Mix It All Together

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk mixture to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined—no overbeating, okay?

Process shot of a baker pouring dry ingredients into the wet mixture in a mixing bowl. Flour and cocoa powder are mid air. A measuring cup with milk and vinegar sits nearby - A Slice of Heaven: The Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake

7. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.

How to Make the Dreamiest Chocolate Orange Frosting

Beat the softened butter with orange zest and juice until smooth. Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy. Finally, blend in the melted chocolate for a glossy, rich finish.

Spread over the cooled cake and let your taste buds dance.

For perfect results, check out these baking tips for beginners Baking Tips for Beginners before you start.

A fully baked chocolate cake being frosted with chocolate orange buttercream. An offset spatula spreads thick creamy frosting over the top of the cake. Orange slices and zest visible nearby - A Slice of Heaven: The Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake

Pro Tips for a Busy Baker

Zesting tip: Zest your orange before cutting it—trust me on this one.
No semisweet chocolate? Use dark chocolate chips or even a chopped-up chocolate bar.
Storing leftovers: Keep the cake covered at room temp for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

My Slice of the Story

The first time I made this, it was a Tuesday. I’d had a rough day, the kind where your coffee goes cold before you even take a sip. But the moment I caught that aroma—bright orange and rich cocoa—I felt the weight lift a little. This cake became my little evening ritual, one that even my picky eater asks for by name now.

FAQs About Chocolate Orange Cake

Can I make this chocolate orange cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s better the next day. The citrus flavor deepens and the texture gets even fudgier.

What if I don’t have orange zest?
You can skip it and just use orange juice, but the zest is what gives that bold citrusy punch. If you’re out, try a drop or two of orange extract instead.

Is this chocolate orange cake recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Wrap slices tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for a couple of hours.

Hungry for More?

If you’re a fan of easy cakes, you might love our Chocolate Olive Oil Cake—another rich, one-bowl wonder. And for citrus lovers, don’t miss the bright and beautiful Citrus Orange Mandarin Cake that’s just as fuss-free.

Want more family-friendly bakes? Check out our collection of simple desserts that bring the whole table together.

Final Thoughts

Life’s chaotic. Cake helps. Especially when it’s kissed with orange zest and wrapped in a rich chocolate hug. This Perfect Chocolate Orange Cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a little win in your day. And sometimes, that’s all we need.