When life gives you oranges, why stop with just a glass of juice? Treat yourself to a delightful and zesty dessert with our Orange Cake with Chocolate Frosting recipe! This cake is a perfect blend of citrusy sweetness and rich chocolate, making it a delightful treat for any occasion or even just a cozy day at home.
### Orange Cake With Chocolate Frosting
#### Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
#### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring it.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and orange juice, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the orange zest gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Chocolate Frosting
#### Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
5. For a finishing touch, garnish with orange zest or chocolate shavings.
Indulge in the bright flavors of orange and the decadence of chocolate with this delicious cake that is sure to brighten up any day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this Orange Cake with Chocolate Frosting is a delightful choice that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the sweet harmony of citrus and cocoa in every blissful bite!
