Description
A decadent and moist chocolate cake infused with fresh orange zest, layered with a creamy orange buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and orange zest; mix until smooth. Gradually stir in hot water until batter is thin but combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread with a layer of buttercream. Top with second layer and frost the top and sides. Garnish with orange slices before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.