Orange Chocolate Cake

Orange Chocolate Bundt Cake on a wooden cake stand with a slice cut out and on a plate in the background.

Celebrate Chocolate Cake Day (tomorrow) with this delicious Orange Chocolate Cake. Cake mix gets a major facelift to create an incredibly rich and moist yet bright cake.

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I love the combination of orange and chocolate together. The sweet zing of orange cuts so nicely with the rich chocolate. It’s just dreamy.

So I’m celebrating chocolate cake day (or any day) with this delicious new orange chocolate cake. It’s super simple to whip up but is sure to impress.

Between the delicious chocolate orange combo and the incredible texture, this cake is a definite winner.

Close up photo of texture of slice of orange chocolate cake.

Ingredients for Orange Chocolate Cake

Although this cake starts with a chocolate cake mix, it’s doctored up with some delicious ingredients to provide rich flavor and incredible texture. Here’s what you are going to need:

  • Chocolate cake mix: You’ll need a box mix that is 15.25 ounces.
  • Buttermilk: This will give the cake a delicious tang and great texture and moistness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use whole milk instead.
  • Oranges: You’ll need the zest from 3 oranges for the cake and ganache. You will also need 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice too.
  • Vegetable oil: This will add more moistness to the cake as well.
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Kosher salt: A pinch of salt helps balance out all the flavor and sweetness in the cake.
  • Sour cream: Adds a slight tanginess to the cake and creates an amazing texture.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate: You’ll need 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate to make the ganache frosting. I prefer using a bar of chocolate over chocolate chips because it usually melts nicer. But, you can use chocolate chips if that’s what you have.
  • Heavy cream: For the ganache.
Orange chocolate cake on a wooden cake stand shot from above.

Mix Up the Cake Batter

Add the cake batter, zest from 2 oranges and kosher salt to a large bowl.

In another bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients. Pour the mixure into the cake mix and fold together until it just comes together.

Grease your bundt pan well then pour in the cake batter. Smooth out the top and bake until done.

Bite of chocolate cake on a fork.

Prepare the Orange Scented Chocolate Ganache

Ganache is super simple to make so don’t be intimidated by the fancy name. Add chocolate chips and orange zest to a bowl. Set aside.

Heat heavy cream on the stove top or in the microwave until simmering. Pour hot heavy cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth. That’s it.

Pour the prepared ganache over the cooled cake. You can let it drip down or spread it evenly, whichever you prefer.

Slice of orange chocolate cake on a stack of small white round plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cake be frozen? Yes. I recommend freezing it before slathering it in the chocolate ganache. If you already frosted the cake, you can still freeze it but the ganache texture may get a little weird when defrosted. Place cake in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

What kind of cake mix should I use? Any brand will work for this recipe as long as it’s 15.25 ounces. Regular chocolate cake, dark chocolate, devils food cake, chocolate fudge…whatever you prefer.

How do I store the cake? Cover the cake well or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I bake this in a 9×13 pan? Yes, you can. Prepare the cake and pour into a greased 13×9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Check cake and bake longer if a toothpick doesn’t come out clean.

Photo of orange chocolate cake on a wooden cake stand surrounded by slices of oranges.

More Chocolate Cake Recipes

Slice of chocolate bundt cake on a stack of small white round plates with a bite taken out sitting on a fork.
Orange Chocolate Bundt Cake on a wooden cake stand with a slice cut out and on a plate in the background.
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5 from 1 vote

Orange Chocolate Cake

Cake mix gets a major facelift to create an incredibly rich and moist yet bright cake. This Orange Chocolate Cake is easy to make and sure to impress.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: orange chocolate cake
Yield: 12 servings
Author: Meghan Payne-Hensley

Equipment

  • Bundt pan

Ingredients

For cake batter:

  • 1 15.25 ounce box chocolate cake mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • zest of 2 oranges
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

For chocolate ganache:

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a bundt pan well. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine cake mix, kosher salt and orange zest from 2 oranges. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, orange juice, oil, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Pour into the dry mixture and fold until it just comes together. Pour into prepared bundt pan.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Place a cooling rack on top of the cake and gently flip to release the cake from the bundt pan. Allow to fully cool.
  • Once cake is cool, make the ganache. Place chopped chocolate and orange zest into a bowl. Set aside. Add heavy cream to a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl. Bring to a simmer then remove from heat. Pour hot heavy cream over the chocolate mixture and stir until all the chocolate is melted. Pour over the cooled cake.

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