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Chocolate Orange Cake with Zesty Chocolate Frosting

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Chocolate Orange Cake with Zesty Chocolate Frosting is a moist, rich chocolate cake infused with fresh orange juice and zest, layered and topped with fluffy chocolate-orange frosting. The citrus brightness balances the deep cocoa flavor, making it an indulgent yet refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour

1 3/4 cups sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup buttermilk

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

1/2 cup hot water

2 large eggs

1 tsp orange extract

1 tsp orange zest

For the Frosting:

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

5 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp orange juice

1/2 tsp orange extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch or three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, orange juice, orange zest, and orange extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined, then stir in hot water. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes completely before frosting.
  7. For the frosting: whip butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange extract until fluffy. Add a splash of milk or cream if too thick.
  8. Frost cooled cakes, layering between and covering the outside. Garnish with chocolate-dipped dried oranges or zest.

Notes

For cupcakes, bake 18–20 minutes.

Enhance orange flavor by adding extra zest or swapping water for orange juice.

For extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate ganache on top.

Cake keeps 2 days at room temperature, 5 days in fridge, or up to 2 months frozen.

Line pans with parchment to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/chocolate-orange-cake-with-zesty-chocolate-frosting/