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; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; Zest of 1 large orange; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 small orange

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely adore the combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange, and this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake is my ultimate testament to that love. Baking this cake allows me to create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. The chocolate is decadent, while the orange zest adds a refreshing twist that transforms the flavor profile. With its easy preparation, it’s a cake I can whip up whenever I’m craving something sweet yet sophisticated. I can't wait for you to experience this delicious creation with me!

Created by

Primrose Cavendish

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:05:34.877Z

Baking this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake has become a delightful ritual for me, especially when I want to impress my family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The method I use is simple yet effective—mixing the chocolate batter with freshly grated orange zest creates a beautiful harmony of flavors. I’ve found that using high-quality cocoa powder really amplifies the chocolate notes, while fresh orange brings a bright and inviting scent that fills my home.

One essential tip I discovered is to let the cake cool completely before frosting. This allows the icing to set properly, giving you a smooth and beautiful finish. Every time I serve a slice, I see the smiles on faces as they dive into the moist layers, all thanks to this trusty recipe that never fails to deliver.

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Mastering the Cake Batter

When making the cake batter, the order of mixing is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Start with the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of the cocoa powder and baking soda. Be careful not to overmix after adding the wet ingredients; just beat until everything is combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and can contribute to the cake’s moist texture. Remember, the boiling water added last plays a vital role in creating a silky batter that results in a tender cake.

The orange zest is not just a flavoring agent; it also adds moisture and vibrancy to the cake. Use a microplane to finely zest the orange, ensuring you only take the outer peel and avoid the bitter white pith. This technique enhances the overall balance of flavors without overwhelming the rich chocolate profile. If you're making this cake in advance, consider zesting the orange ahead of time and storing it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Perfecting the Frosting

For the frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature for an easier blending process, which helps in achieving a fluffy texture that spreads smoothly. You can speed up the softening process by cutting the butter into smaller pieces. When mixing, start on low speed to prevent cocoa powder from puffing out, gradually increasing speed until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Aim for a spreadable yet slightly firm consistency; if it’s too thick, add an additional teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired texture.

Adding orange zest to the frosting not only complements the cake’s flavor but also provides a beautiful visual cue of the cake’s delightful profile. The acidity in the zest balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar, creating a well-rounded taste. If you prefer a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a few drops of orange extract. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so add in small increments to avoid overpowering the chocolate.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake:

For the Cake

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
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Zest of 1 large orange

For the Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 small orange

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to make the cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x18-inch sheet cake pan to ensure easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add Boiling Water and Orange Zest

Stir in the boiling water and the orange zest until just combined. The batter will be thin.

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.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the frosting, beat together the butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and orange zest until fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add chocolate shavings or candied orange slices on top of the frosting for garnish.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake can be stored at room temperature covered with plastic wrap for up to three days without losing its moist texture. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerating it will extend its shelf life to about a week. Just make sure to let the cake come to room temperature before serving, as the flavors are more pronounced at warmer temperatures.

For a thoughtful presentation, consider cutting the cake into squares and serving each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Adding a light drizzle of chocolate ganache can elevate this cake to a more decadent dessert fit for special occasions. Finish with extra orange zest on top for a pop of color and flavor. Impress your guests by pairing this cake with a glass of dessert wine or a rich coffee to enhance the chocolate notes.

Variations and Add-Ins

While the classic combination of chocolate and orange is hard to beat, feel free to experiment with other additions. Chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips can be stirred into the batter for added texture and bursts of cocoa flavor. Alternatively, mix in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft cake.

For a different twist, you can substitute some of the cocoa powder with finely ground espresso or coffee, which will amplify the chocolate taste and add a unique depth of flavor. If you prefer a lower sugar option, try replacing the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute specific to baking. Adjustments like these offer delightful alternatives while still keeping the original essence of this delicious cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different kind of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or ganache can be wonderful alternatives.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it is a 1:1 substitute.

→ How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

Add chocolate chips to the batter before baking or serve it with chocolate sauce on top!