Ingredients
Cake Ingredients





















Frosting Ingredients















Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan. This ensures the cake releases easily after baking.
In a large bowl, cream together the *sugar* and *butter* until light and fluffy. Add the *eggs* one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the *flour*, *baking powder*, *baking soda*, and *salt*. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the *orange juice* and *Greek yogurt*, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Stir in the *orange zest* and *cocoa powder* until fully combined. Finally, fold in the *melted dark chocolate*.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the *cream cheese* and *butter* together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the *powdered sugar*, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the *vanilla extract* and continue beating until light and fluffy.
Stir in the *melted dark chocolate* and *orange zest* until fully combined. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable.
Step 3
Once the cake has fully cooled, place it on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. If desired, garnish with extra *orange zest* or *chocolate shavings*.
Cut into slices and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade *Orange Chocolate Cake*! This cake is perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Servings
**Cut with Style**: Use a serrated knife for clean, even slices. **Pro Tip**: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for pristine cake pieces 🍊🍫.
**Dress it Up**: Garnish each slice with a thin orange twist or a sprinkle of orange zest for a burst of color and flavor.
**Perfect Sidekick**: Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and citrus notes.
**Afternoon Delight**: Serve a slice with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a hot cappuccino for a sophisticated and refreshing treat.
Equipment
Two 9-inch round cake pans are perfect for this recipe. Make sure to grease and line them with parchment paper to ensure an easy release.



An electric hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.



You'll need at least two large mixing bowls—one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. Glass or stainless steel are ideal.
A silicone spatula is great for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.



Variations
**Gluten-Free Option**: Substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to mimic the texture of gluten.
**Vegan Option**: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) instead of regular eggs. Use almond milk or oat milk as your liquid component.
Enjoy this incredible cake regardless of your dietary needs! 🌟
Faq
- How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost it the next day. Just keep the layers wrapped in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This can happen if the oven door was opened too early, causing a sudden drop in temperature. Make sure to keep the door closed until the last few minutes of baking.
- Can I use a different type of citrus?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with lemons or limes for a unique twist.
- How can I make the frosting smoother?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature and beat it thoroughly until creamy before adding other ingredients. This will help ensure a silky-smooth frosting.
- Is there a way to make the cake extra moist?
Consider adding a tablespoon or two of sour cream to the batter. The extra fat and moisture will give you a wonderfully moist cake.