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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake

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This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake is a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake layers with bright orange zest and creamy chocolate-orange frosting. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for any celebration, this stunning cake is a showstopping treat that highlights the irresistible pairing of citrus and cocoa.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1–2 oranges
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 3/4 cup hot coffee or hot water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 4 oz melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice or 1 tsp orange extract
  • 2–4 tbsp heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
  • Optional: Orange slices or zest curls
  • Optional: Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Optional: Candied orange peel

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Stir in hot coffee or water until fully incorporated. Batter will be thin.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool cake layers in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. For the frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar gradually. Mix in melted chocolate, orange zest, and juice or extract. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Assemble the cake by layering with frosting between each tier and covering the outside. Decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Use orange extract for a stronger citrus flavor if fresh oranges aren’t available.
  • Add 1–2 tsp espresso powder to the batter for deeper chocolate flavor.
  • For a ganache finish, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake.
  • Add orange marmalade between layers for extra citrus punch.
  • Whip in extra cream for a lighter frosting texture.
  • Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/chocolate-orange-layer-cake/