The Best Chocolate Orange Cake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist chocolate sponge layered with orange-infused frosting, balanced with a hint of bitterness from dark chocolate. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and orange juice.
  4. Step 4: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Chocolate Orange Cake take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover The Best Chocolate Orange Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Chocolate Orange Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale The Best Chocolate Orange Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with The Best Chocolate Orange Cake?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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