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 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest

Highlighted under: Classic Meals

I love baking, and there's something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and orange. This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake has become a staple at my gatherings. The rich chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the fresh zest of orange, creating a delightful flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more. With its luscious texture and vibrant flavor, this cake is a delicious way to celebrate any occasion or simply indulge myself after a long week.

Created by

Xenia Radcliffe

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:25:34.264Z

Baking this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake for the first time was truly an eye-opener for me. I experimented with several recipes, but this one shines through with its balanced flavors and moist texture. The addition of fresh orange zest not only enhances the chocolate but also adds a refreshing twist that surprises everyone.

My favorite part of this recipe is the way it combines a straightforward baking method with gourmet results. I discovered that using high-quality cocoa powder makes a huge difference, and mixing the zest into the batter at the end ensures the flavor stays vibrant. Trust me; you won’t want to miss this unique take on a classic cake!

        Why You'll 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

      

Unlocking the Flavor Harmony

The combination of chocolate and orange in this cake is not just wonderful; it's also scientifically satisfying. Cocoa's rich, deep flavors are beautifully balanced by the bright citrus notes of orange. When baking, the acidity from the buttermilk, combined with the orange juice, helps tenderize the cake while also enhancing its flavor. This cake benefits from the freshness of the zest, which provides a fragrant aroma and a burst of citrus that elevates each bite, making it irresistible.

For the best flavor results, ensure you use fresh orange juice and zest. Bottled juices lack the vibrant oils found in fresh zest, which are crucial for achieving that lively citrus flavor. A microplane grater works wonders for zesting without the bitter white pith. Just be careful to grate only the outer layer of the skin to avoid any bitterness.

Understanding the Cake's Structure

The inclusion of baking soda and baking powder in this recipe serves two purposes: leavening and moisture retention. The baking soda reacts with the buttermilk and orange juice, ensuring a light, airy texture in your cake. It’s important not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a dense cake rather than the fluffy texture you want.

If you want to add a twist to this recipe, consider incorporating chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking. This not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also adds an additional layer of texture. Just remember to toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake:

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest

Once you have everything ready, you'll be all set to create this delicious cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your cake to perfection:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the buttermilk, orange juice, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Bake the Cake

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

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top, then slice and serve.

Enjoy this delightful cake with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of orange liqueur to the frosting.

Tips for Frosting Success

Achieving the perfect frosting consistency is key to a beautifully finished Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake. When mixing the frosting, start with softened butter, which will blend seamlessly with the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a creamy and spreadable texture. Conversely, if it becomes too runny, incorporate a little more powdered sugar until it thickens to your liking.

For a decorative touch, consider garnishing the frosted cake with additional orange zest or edible gold dust. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also ties back to the cake's flavor profile. If you're serving this cake for a special occasion, creating a layer of frosting between two sheets of cake before frosting the top can add an extra dimension to both presentation and taste.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake can be baked in advance, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings. After the cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain its quality for up to three months, and when you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

If you’re looking to enjoy this delightful cake over a longer period, consider slicing it into portions and freezing them individually. This makes it easy to indulge in a piece whenever you want. Just remember to let the slices come to room temperature or give them a quick microwave burst (about 15-20 seconds) to make the frosting extra creamy again before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute, but be sure to check the packaging for specific baking instructions.

→ How can I make this cake more decadent?

You can add chocolate chips into the batter or make a ganache to pour over the frosting for extra richness.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake holds up well for a couple of days if stored in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a homemade version by mixing a cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice; let it sit for a few minutes to curdle.