Chocolate Orange Snack Cake

Name: Chocolate Orange Snack Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest

Highlighted under: Everyday Desserts

I can’t get enough of this Chocolate Orange Snack Cake! Each bite brings together the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with a surprising burst of fresh orange zest, creating a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Whether I’m making this for a casual afternoon treat or for sharing with friends at a gathering, it always gets rave reviews. The combination of flavors is so unique and refreshing, making it a fun twist on the traditional chocolate cake. I love that it’s quick to prepare and satisfying enough to indulge in anytime.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-02-08T02:20:37.178Z

I initially stumbled upon this recipe after experimenting with flavors for a birthday party. The combination of chocolate and orange caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist trying it. After a few rounds of adjustments, I found the perfect balance where neither flavor overpowers the other, which is crucial for a satisfying cake. The orange zest truly elevates the chocolate, and I’ve found people coming back for seconds—and thirds!

A tip I’d love to share is to let the cake cool completely before icing it with a simple orange glaze. This way, the glaze doesn’t melt into the cake, giving you a beautiful finish. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in presentation and taste.

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

The Role of Orange Zest

Orange zest is a key ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Snack Cake, as it infuses the batter with a refreshing citrus aroma that perfectly complements the rich chocolate. When grating the orange, be sure to only take the colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This not only ensures the right flavor profile but also adds a lovely fleck of color to your cake. If you're in a pinch, lemon or lime zest can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will change slightly.

In addition to the zest, using fresh orange juice in the glaze elevates the flavor even further, creating a bright contrast with the dark chocolate. The acidity in fresh citrus helps to balance out the sweetness of the glaze, ensuring it’s not overly sugary. Remember to taste as you mix, adjusting the amount of orange juice to achieve your desired level of tanginess.

Baking Tips for Success

When it comes to baking, precise measurements are crucial. For this recipe, I recommend weighing your dry ingredients for the most consistent results. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to an overly dense cake.

Mixing the batter requires some care; overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mix just until you no longer see dry flour. The boiling water at the end serves to help the cocoa powder bloom, resulting in a more intense chocolate flavor. Ensure the water is freshly boiled—this step is crucial to achieving a moist cake.

Storing Your Cake

If you manage to have leftovers—though I doubt you will—store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The moistness from the buttermilk and the orange juice helps keep the cake fresh, but it’s best not to refrigerate, as cold air can dry it out. If you live in a hot, humid climate, it might be safer to refrigerate it to prevent spoilage.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Simply wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a zip-top freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to restore its delightful texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Orange Glaze

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the boiling water until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top of each layer. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips or orange segments to the batter before baking. This will enhance the flavor and add delightful texture to each slice.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Orange Snack Cake can be enjoyed on its own, but for an extra special treat, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess beautifully contrasts the warm chocolate and vibrant orange flavors, taking each bite to the next level. Drizzle a bit of leftover orange glaze over the top for an added flourish.

Another fun idea is to layer this cake with a rich chocolate ganache, placing a layer of ganache between the two cakes to create a stunning dessert for celebrations. You can also sprinkle candied orange peel on top of the glaze for added texture and a sophisticated touch.

Variations to Try

If you want to explore different flavor combinations, consider adding a spice element like cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter. These ingredients can enhance the chocolate and orange flavor, giving them an extra depth that’s truly unique. Start with a teaspoon of cinnamon or a teaspoon of instant espresso added to the dry ingredients for a delightful twist.

Another variation could involve incorporating nuts such as walnuts or pecans, which lend a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the cake’s soft texture. Just be sure to chop them finely and toast them beforehand to enhance their flavor and aroma, making sure they pair beautifully with the vibrant orange zest.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of citrus zest?

Yes! Lemon or lime zest can be substituted for a different twist.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.