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Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake

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Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with citrusy orange zest and topped with a glossy, decadent chocolate glaze. The combination of deep chocolate and bright orange flavors creates a perfect balance of sweetness and zest, making this cake a sophisticated and irresistible dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Flavor Balance – The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh orange zest.
  • Moist & Tender – A soft, luscious cake that melts in your mouth.
  • Easy Yet Elegant – Simple to make but looks and tastes gourmet.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, holidays, or a sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter
  • Fresh orange zest
  • Fresh orange juice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

For the Chocolate-Orange Glaze:

  • Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Orange zest
  • Orange juice (freshly squeezed)

Directions

this recipe

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
  2. Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Prepare wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  4. Combine & bake – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Cool – Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze.

Make the Glaze:

  1. Heat the cream – In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
  2. Melt the chocolate – Pour the hot cream over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Add butter, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until glossy.
  3. Glaze the Cake – Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip over the sides for a beautiful finish.

Serve & Enjoy

  1. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Chocolatey – Add chocolate chips to the batter.
  • Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top.
  • Liqueur Version – Add a splash of orange liqueur to the glaze for an adult twist.
  • Dairy-Free Option – Use almond milk and coconut cream instead of dairy.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.
  • Reheating: Microwave a slice for 10 seconds for a warm, melty treat.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) enhances the orange flavor beautifully.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes in a muffin tin.

How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

Measure ingredients carefully and don’t overbake—check with a toothpick.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter gives a richer flavor, while oil keeps it extra moist.

How do I get a smooth glaze?

Make sure to stir the chocolate and cream mixture until fully melted and glossy.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

What toppings go well with this cake?

Fresh orange slices, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar look great.

Does the glaze harden?

It firms up slightly but stays smooth and glossy.

Can I add an extra citrus punch?

Yes! Add more orange zest or a few drops of orange extract to the batter.

Conclusion

Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake is a luxurious dessert that blends deep chocolate flavors with bright, zesty orange. It’s simple to make yet tastes like a bakery masterpiece. Whether for a special occasion or a casual indulgence, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of pure decadence!

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Chocolate-Orange Glaze Cake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, European
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Description

This rich and moist chocolate cake is infused with bright orange flavor and topped with a shiny chocolate-orange glaze. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or when you want something extra indulgent!

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Cake:
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
For the Chocolate-Orange Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice

Instructions

Make the Cake:
  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, beat the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
  4. Combine: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then mix in the buttermilk. Add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze:
  1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil).
  2. Melt the Chocolate: Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  3. Add Flavor: Stir in butter, orange zest, and orange juice until glossy. Let cool slightly before glazing.
Assemble:

 

  1. Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
  2. Serve & Enjoy: Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes, then slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Extra Citrus Flavor? Add ½ teaspoon orange extract to the batter.
  • Storage: Keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Make It Fancy: Garnish with candied orange slices or chocolate shavings.

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