I made this Chocolate Orange Cake after thinking about how well a little citrus can change the flavor of a regular chocolate cake. Instead of keeping the batter purely chocolate, I added fresh orange juice, orange zest, and orange extract to bring a brighter note into the loaf.

The combination is simple, but the orange comes through in a way that makes each slice taste different from an everyday chocolate cake. The cake has a soft chocolate crumb with a clear orange flavor running through it, while the fresh zest adds a little extra citrus aroma.

The chocolate stays rich, and the orange keeps the overall flavor from feeling too heavy. If you enjoy chocolate bakes with something a little different, Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies and Orange Cranberry Muffins are two more recipes to try.

Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

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This chocolate orange cake combines unsweetened cocoa powder with fresh orange juice, orange zest, and orange extract. Baked as a loaf, it has a soft chocolate crumb with a bright citrus flavor throughout.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 Slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

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• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons orange extract
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup water
• Fresh orange zest

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus zester or fine grater
• Loaf pan
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

1. Add the plain yogurt and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
   
2. Add the vegetable oil and mix well.
   
3. Add the eggs and whisk until combined.
   
4. Grate fresh orange zest into the mixture.
   
5. Whisk the wet ingredients until smooth and evenly combined.
   
6. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
7. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
   
8. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until the batter is evenly chocolate-colored.
   
9. Add the orange extract, orange juice, and water, then mix until a smooth cake batter forms.
10. Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan.
11. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until cooked through.
    
12. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan, slicing, and serving.
    

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSodium: 390mgFiber: 3gSugar: 34g

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The chocolate and orange combination gives this loaf a flavor that feels familiar while still standing apart from a standard chocolate cake. Fresh orange juice and zest bring a noticeable citrus note to the cocoa-based batter, making each slice interesting without changing the straightforward baking process. Keep it in mind for the next time you want to bake a chocolate cake with a little more going on.

Vamsi

I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.