Chocolate Orange Snack Cake

Name: Chocolate Orange Snack Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup hot water; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest

Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen

I often crave a delightful treat that balances rich chocolate with a hint of citrus, and this Chocolate Orange Snack Cake is just the ticket. It combines the deep flavors of cocoa with bright orange zest, creating a dessert that's both indulgent and refreshing. I love how the moist cake is easy to make, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or simply enjoying at home. When I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe never disappoints.

Created by

Leonie Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:40:38.668Z

Making this Chocolate Orange Snack Cake has been one of my favorite baking adventures. The combination of chocolate and orange zest creates a unique flavor profile that surprises and delights everyone who tries it. I’ve experimented with different types of cocoa powder, and I can tell you that using a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa truly enhances the cake’s richness.

I’ve found that the key to a moist cake is to not overmix the batter, which can develop too much gluten. A gentle fold when incorporating the ingredients preserves that tender crumb. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for such a luscious dessert!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The blend of cocoa powder and sugar provides the cake's rich, deep chocolate flavor while also contributing to its moist texture. Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential, as it allows you to control the sweetness of the cake. Meanwhile, buttermilk not only tenderizes the batter but also reacts with the baking soda to create a lighter crumb. Don't skip the orange zest; it infuses the cake with a refreshing brightness that balances the chocolate's richness.

Another crucial element is the hot water added to the batter. This step helps to dissolve the cocoa powder fully and activates the baking powder, resulting in a softer cake with a more delicate crumb. If you find yourself without buttermilk, feel free to substitute it with a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice, which will mimic the acidity and achieve similar results.

Mastering the Baking Process

It's important to not overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Aim for just a combined mixture—small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, undermining the cake's desired moist outcome. Also, during baking, keep an eye on the cake around the 25-minute mark. Ovens can vary, and you want to pull it out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean for the best result.

Allowing the cake to cool completely before glazing is vital. Pouring the glaze over a warm cake can cause it to melt away rather than sit beautifully on top. For an even better glaze, make sure that your powdered sugar and orange juice are mixed until glossy. This will ensure that the glaze sets nicely and creates a stunning finish for your snack cake.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delightful Chocolate Orange Snack Cake.

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1 cup hot water

For the Orange Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Orange Snack Cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Slowly add the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the orange glaze over the top and allow it to set before serving.

Now that your cake is ready, serve it fresh and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider folding in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking. They melt perfectly and enhance the chocolatey goodness of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Orange Snack Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a creamy contrast to the moist cake. For a special touch, consider garnishing your slice with a few slices of fresh orange or even a zest of candied orange peel for an elegant presentation.

If you’re planning a larger gathering, this cake can be easily scaled up. You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan or even divide the batter into two round cake pans for a layered cake—just adjust the baking time accordingly. A chocolate-oranges-flavored cream cheese frosting would also make a great addition between the layers.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake stores wonderfully! Once fully cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature for an hour, or heat it in the microwave for a quick indulgence.

To save time, you can prepare the cake batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking. This can be a lifesaver for busy days when you want to whip up something quick yet still delicious!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use orange extract instead of zest?

Yes, you can substitute orange zest with a few drops of orange extract, but zest will give a more vibrant flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake before glazing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!