Description
A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with bright citrus zest and topped with a glossy orange cocoa glaze. This simple yet elegant dessert offers the perfect balance of tangy and deep chocolate flavors, ideal for cozy nights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Zest of 2 oranges
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
1½ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (plus more as needed)
Optional: additional orange zest or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, dust with flour, and line with parchment paper.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between each addition.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix the orange juice, zest, vanilla, and buttermilk in another bowl.
Assemble the Batter: Alternately add the dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and orange juice until smooth. Adjust thickness with juice or sugar as needed.
Glaze the Cake: Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and allow it to set for 15 minutes.
Garnish: Top with orange zest, edible flowers, or candied citrus slices.
Notes
For extra brightness, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest.
Don’t overmix the batter—stop once the flour disappears.
Letting the cake cool fully before glazing prevents a soggy finish.
Use a warm knife for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate orange cake, citrus dessert, loaf cake, glazed cake, moist chocolate loaf