Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or coffee
- For Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp cream or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans.
- Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Stir in hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth and thin.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, cream the butter, then beat in powdered sugar, cocoa, orange juice, and zest. Add cream if needed to reach spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cooled cakes between layers, then over the top and sides.
- Decorate with orange slices, chocolate shavings, or zest if desired.
Notes
- Use buttermilk for extra tenderness and depth.
- Add orange liqueur for a grown-up twist.
- Substitute part of the flour with almond flour for texture.
- Top with ganache instead of frosting for a glossier finish.
- Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor but can be replaced with water.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
