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
Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- 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.
- Cool – Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze.
Make the Glaze:
- Heat the cream – In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
- Melt the chocolate – Pour the hot cream over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Add butter, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until glossy.
- Glaze the Cake – Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip over the sides for a beautiful finish.
Serve & Enjoy
- 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!
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!
For the Cake:
For the Chocolate-Orange Glaze:
Make the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze:
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Melt the Chocolate: Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add Flavor: Stir in butter, orange zest, and orange juice until glossy. Let cool slightly before glazing.
Assemble:
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- 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.