Chocolate Orange Cake 🍊🍫
A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with zesty orange flavor, layered with orange marmalade and whipped cream, and topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache—a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✔ Perfect Flavor Balance – The bittersweet chocolate pairs beautifully with bright citrus notes.
✔ Moist & Soft Texture – Fresh orange juice keeps the cake light and tender.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with an elegant finish.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – A stunning dessert for holidays, birthdays, or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange zest
For the Filling:
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• ½ cup whipped cream
For the Ganache:
• 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
• ½ cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pans
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Fresh orange juice
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest
Step 4: Combine & Bake
1. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
2. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
1. In a small bowl, whisk the whipped cream until smooth.
2. Spread orange marmalade evenly over one cake layer.
3. Spread the whipped cream on top of the marmalade.
4. Place the second cake layer on top.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling.
2. Pour over melted dark chocolate and stir until smooth.
Step 7: Glaze & Decorate
1. Pour the ganache over the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
2. Garnish with orange slices, zest, or chocolate shavings.
Tips for the Best Cake
✔ Use Fresh Orange Juice – It enhances both the flavor and moisture.
✔ Let the Cake Cool Completely – This prevents the filling from melting.
✔ Chill Before Serving – Helps set the layers and enhances the taste.
✔ For Extra Indulgence – Add chocolate chips or candied orange peel.
Variations to Try
🔸 Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
🔸 Dairy-Free Version – Swap whipped cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate.