Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake

Name: Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest; 1 cup boiling water; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I absolutely love baking, and there's something magical about combining chocolate with the refreshing zing of orange. This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake has become one of my favorites because it's not only stunning to look at but also incredibly easy to make. The rich chocolate flavor infused with fresh orange zest creates a delightful treat that is perfect for gatherings or just a cozy day at home. You won't believe how simple it is to whip this up, and it's sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:53:34.406Z

Baking this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake was such a delightful experience! I experimented with adding orange zest to a classic chocolate cake batter, and the result was nothing short of perfection. The citrusy aroma that filled my kitchen brought a special warmth to the process. I also discovered that using buttermilk instead of regular milk makes the cake incredibly moist and fluffy, which is a tip I’ll carry with me for all my future baking endeavors.

When I took the first bite, I knew instantly that I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of chocolate and orange is often overlooked, but they create a beautiful balance of flavors. I served it at a recent family gathering, and everyone raved about how delicious it was. This cake is truly a showstopper and a newfound favorite in our home!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The all-purpose flour provides the structure, while the cocoa powder imparts rich chocolate flavor. Cocoa powder with a natural or Dutch process can be used; however, using unsweetened cocoa powder gives a deeper chocolate taste that balances the sweetness from the sugar. The buttermilk is particularly important as it contributes moisture and a slight tang, which complements the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Don't underestimate the importance of the fresh orange zest. It brightens the cake's flavors and adds a refreshing aroma that elevates the chocolate. If you don't have fresh oranges, you can use a small amount of high-quality orange extract as a substitute, but be cautious with the quantity to avoid an overpowering flavor. Additionally, the eggs add moisture and help in binding the batter, so it’s advisable to use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation into the mixture.

Perfecting Texture and Flavor

Achieving the ideal texture for your cake is all about the mixing technique. When combining wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Mix until just combined; this ensures a tender crumb rather than a dense or gummy cake. The final addition of boiling water is a unique twist that transforms this batter into a thin consistency. This step activates the cocoa and hydrates the dry ingredients fully, resulting in a moist cake that rises beautifully in the oven.

Baking time is crucial, so keep an eye on your cake after the 25-minute mark. Depending on your oven's accuracy, every minute can matter. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Remember, a cake that’s baked too long can dry out, so timing is everything.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful experience.

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

Dive into these ingredients and prepare for deliciousness!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch sheet pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Add Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin. Pour it into the prepared pan.

Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth. Stir in vanilla, orange juice, and zest.

Frost the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Spread the orange chocolate frosting evenly over the top.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful cake ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped dark chocolate on top of the frosting before serving!

Frosting Mastery

When preparing the frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a creamy consistency without lumps. Beat the butter until it’s fluffy before adding the cocoa and powdered sugar. This step helps incorporate air, ensuring a light and spreadable frosting. The addition of fresh orange juice and zest not only enhances the flavor but also balances the sweetness, giving the frosting a refreshing note that complements the chocolate cake beautifully.

If your frosting turns out too thick, add a teaspoon of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, you can add more powdered sugar incrementally. Once frosted, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly, making cutting and serving more comfortable.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After frosting, if you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the cake pieces for up to three months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds. This method makes it a wonderful treat to have ready for unexpected guests.

For serving variations, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side to enhance the chocolate-orange flavor. You can also garnish with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of orange zest on top for an appealing presentation. This cake is versatile and can transition from casual to elegant with simple additions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different citrus fruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lemon or lime zest for the orange zest for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

Ensure that you're not overmixing the batter and that your oven temperature is calibrated correctly; both can cause sinking.