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 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 teaspoons orange extract; Zest of 1 large orange

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake for its vibrant flavor combination. The rich, dark chocolate perfectly complements the bright notes of fresh orange zest, creating a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cake is incredibly moist and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Each bite melts in your mouth, and the burst of citrus elevates the chocolate experience. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will quickly become a favorite in your home too!

Created by

Abigail Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:53:34.452Z

When I first decided to combine chocolate and orange in a cake, I expected something good, but the result completely blew me away! The chocolate flavor is rich, while the orange adds a refreshing twist that brightens every bite. I recommend using high-quality cocoa and freshly grated orange zest for the best results; they really make a difference in the taste.

Another tip I discovered is to let the cake cool completely before icing it using an orange-flavored buttercream. This not only helps the frosting to hold its shape better but also allows the flavors to meld. Trust me, the time spent is totally worth it!

Reasons 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

The Magic of Chocolate and Orange

The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange in this cake creates a unique flavor profile that is both indulgent and refreshing. The unsweetened cocoa powder provides a deep, rich flavor while the fresh orange zest brightens the taste, making each bite a delightful experience. The acidity from the orange balances the sweetness from the sugar, ensuring the cake isn’t overwhelmingly sweet, but rather a perfectly harmonious treat.

One key ingredient that truly enhances this flavor pairing is the use of high-quality cocoa powder. Opting for a Dutch-processed cocoa can provide a smoother flavor and darker color. When mixed with the vibrant orange zest, the cocoa lends an indulgent richness that transforms the cake into a sophisticated dessert for any gathering.

Baking Tips for Success

When preparing the batter, it’s important to follow the order of mixing: start with the dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. Then incorporate the wet ingredients gradually; this technique helps achieve a uniform texture throughout the cake. Be cautious not to over-mix once the boiling water and orange zest are added. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and help create a moist cake.

Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens can vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the edges of the cake appear to pull away from the pan, it's a visual cue that it’s time to take it out. Overbaking can dry out your cake, so watch closely!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this irresistible cake:

Cake Ingredients

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

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons orange extract
Zest of 1 large orange

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x9 inch baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Stir in the boiling water and orange zest.

Bake the Cake

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

Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Incorporate orange extract and zest, adjusting the consistency with heavy cream.

Frost the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the buttercream frosting evenly on top.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate and orange!

Don't forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the batter or frosting.

Frosting Fundamentals

For the buttercream frosting, using softened butter is crucial. It should be at room temperature, which allows for a smooth, creamy texture. If your butter is too cold, the frosting will be lumpy and difficult to spread. I recommend letting it soften on the kitchen counter for about 30-60 minutes before starting, or you can microwave it in short bursts — just be careful not to melt it.

Adjusting the heavy cream in your frosting is key to getting the desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker frosting that holds its shape better, use less cream. Conversely, for a smoother texture that spreads easily, add an extra tablespoon or two of cream until you reach your desired consistency. The addition of orange extract not only intensifies the orange flavor but also gives the frosting a lovely aromatic element.

Storage and Variations

This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake can be made ahead of time and stored properly. Once frosted, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, consider refrigerating it, where it will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze individual pieces, which can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll last for up to three months in the freezer and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

For those feeling adventurous, this cake can easily be adapted with different flavors. Substitute the orange zest with lemon or even lime for a citrus twist. Incorporating a splash of coffee into the boiling water can also deepen the chocolate flavor without overpowering the orange. If you want to add a bit of crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking, which can provide an exciting texture contrast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, but keep in mind that using whole wheat flour will change the texture slightly.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend usually works well.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving.

→ What can I do with leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze it for later enjoyment.