Description

The Chocolate Orange Layer Cake is a sophisticated dessert that blends rich chocolate with bright orange zest, creating a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, using simple ingredients, and will appeal to everyone from kids to adults.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons Baking soda
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Granulated sugar
1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
4 Large eggs
1 cup Buttermilk
½ cup Strong brewed coffee, cooled
Zest of 2 large oranges
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
½ cup Granulated sugar (for syrup)
½ cup Water
Juice of 1 large orange
3 cups Unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
6–8 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (for frosting)
¼ cup Orange juice
Zest of 1 large orange (for frosting)
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract (for frosting)
2–4 tablespoons Milk or cream (for frosting)
Pinch of salt (for frosting)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl
Cream the softened butter in a separate bowl and then beat in the eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk and cooled coffee
Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a skewer comes out clea
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely
To make the orange simple syrup, combine sugar, water, and orange juice in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and cool
For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder
Add in orange juice, zest, vanilla, and salt, and beat until fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk if necessary
Once cakes are cool, brush with orange syrup, layer with frosting, and chill after a crumb coat
Frost the cake with remaining buttercream and garnish as desired

Notes

Chilling the cake after the crumb coat helps ensure a smooth final layer.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 600 kcal
Sugar: 57 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 75 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg