Divine Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake Recipe: A Sweet Indulgence

Rich chocolate and vibrant orange create a magical harmony in this decadent chocolate-orange glaze cake that will tantalize your taste buds.

The bold citrus notes perfectly complement the deep, intense chocolate flavors.

Every slice promises an indulgent experience that whispers luxury and sophistication.

Each carefully crafted layer melts in your mouth with a delightful balance of sweetness and zesty undertones.

The glossy glaze adds a stunning finish that makes this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Prepare to impress and delight with this irresistible dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into an extraordinary culinary celebration.

How to Bake and Glaze a Chocolate-Orange Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees. Give your cake pan a quick massage of grease and dust of flour to prevent any sticky situations.

• Create the Dry Base

Grab a mixing bowl and dance your whisk through cocoa powder, flour, rising agents, and a pinch of salt until everything looks perfectly blended.

• Whip Up the Wet Magic

In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, and oil into a silky smooth mixture. Splash in some vanilla excitement, sprinkle orange zest, and add a burst of citrusy juice.

• Blend Everything Together

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir just until everything says hello – no aggressive mixing allowed!

• Bake to Perfection

Pour your beautiful batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the waiting oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, watching for that perfect moment when a toothpick comes out with just a few tempting crumbs.

• Let It Rest

Allow your cake to chill in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and let it relax completely before adding any glaze or decorations.

Flavor Twists That Complement Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake

• Boost the citrus flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a more intense orange punch.
• Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks for easy preparation.
• Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
• Instead of a full glaze, create a lighter chocolate drizzle by thinning melted chocolate with a bit of cream for a more delicate topping.

Serve Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake With a Citrus Touch

• Citrus-Infused Dessert Companion: Serve a slice of this rich chocolate-orange cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, contrasting texture.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Pairing: Arrange cake slices on a decorative plate with fresh orange segments and a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea for a refined presentation.
• Decadent Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over each slice and sprinkle with candied orange peel for an extra layer of indulgent flavor and visual appeal.
• Festive Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful dessert spread by garnishing the cake with fresh mint leaves and serving with a dollop of whipped cream, perfect for weekend gatherings.

Keep Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake Tasting Fresh

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its moisture and flavor locked in tight.
• Before serving chilled cake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften and enhance its rich chocolate-orange taste.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Bake the cake a day before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile that guests will love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 306 kcal

Servings: 8

All the Ingredients for Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture to the cake, choose unbleached for better flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate depth, Dutch-processed variety offers smoother taste.
• Baking Powder: Creates rising action and lightness, ensure it's fresh for maximum lift.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake achieve tender crumb, check expiration date for potency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use fine grain for even distribution.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, organic varieties offer deeper caramel notes.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates tender, moist texture, neutral-flavored oils work best.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies flavor profile, pure extract delivers superior taste.
• Orange Zest: Introduces bright citrus essence, use fresh, organic oranges for best aroma.
• Orange Juice: Adds tangy moisture, freshly squeezed offers superior flavor.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes cake and adds subtle tanginess, can substitute with yogurt if needed.

The Best Tools for Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake Perfection

• Mixing Bowls: Large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for beating sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan or Bundt Pan: Key for baking the cake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: Needed for creating orange zest.
• Toothpick: Used to check cake doneness.
• Wire Rack: Helps cake cool evenly after baking.

Decadent Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Chocolate-orange glaze cake brings Mediterranean sunshine onto dessert plates with rich, zesty brilliance. Dark chocolate and citrus dance together, creating a luxurious slice that invites sweet exploration and delights all senses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Lubricate a 9-inch round or bundt pan with grease and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Ingredient Fusion: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate large vessel, blend sugars, eggs, and vegetable oil until achieving a smooth consistency. Incorporate vanilla extract, vibrant orange zest, and fresh orange juice into the wet mixture.
3. Batter Creation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Gently mix until ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix, which could compromise the cake’s delicate texture.
4. Baking Process: Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
5. Cooling and Finishing: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, letting it reach room temperature before serving or glazing.

Notes

• Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to maintain a light, tender cake texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum orange flavor without including bitter white pith when zesting the orange.
• Allow ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even baking.
• Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the cake’s center; a few moist crumbs indicate perfect doneness, preventing dry cake texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg