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: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; Zest of 1 orange; ½ cup fresh orange juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped; Zest of 1 orange for garnish

Highlighted under: Baked Food

I absolutely love this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake, as it brings together the rich decadence of chocolate with the zesty brightness of orange. When I first tried this combination, I was blown away by how well the flavors complemented each other. The moist chocolate cake is elevated by a hint of orange zest, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s incredibly easy to make, and I often whip it up when I need a quick but impressive dessert. Trust me, it won’t last long on the table!

Created by

Philippa Grantley

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:45:34.884Z

When I started experimenting with flavors for this cake, I knew I wanted to create something special. Using fresh orange juice and zest really made a difference in lifting the chocolate flavor. I also decided to include a luscious chocolate ganache topping that perfectly blends the two flavors together.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how straightforward it is. The cake comes together quickly, and the ganache is easy to prepare. I remember being pleasantly surprised by the responses when I served this at a family gathering; it was a huge hit!

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

Understanding the Cake's Chemistry

The harmony of flavors in this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake comes from the careful balance of dry and wet ingredients. The cocoa powder not only contributes the deep chocolate flavor but also lends moisture when combined with the right proportions of wet components like oil and eggs. It's crucial to whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the cocoa and leavening agents; this will help the cake rise uniformly and avoid dense patches.

Adding boiling water to the batter may seem unusual, but this step is vital. The hot water activates the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a batter that is smoother and more liquid. This texture allows for a moist cake, which is further enhanced by the combination of milk and vegetable oil—a perfect duo for a tender crumb.

The Ganache: A Luxurious Finish

The ganache on top of this cake is not just a decorative touch; it's a key component that elevates the entire dessert. Using bittersweet chocolate provides a rich counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake, while the heavy cream creates a silky texture that melts in your mouth. Make sure to let the ganache sit for five minutes before stirring; this step allows the chocolate to soften properly and blend without lumps.

If you find your ganache too thick after cooling, simply warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, chill it for a short time. This adaptability means you can achieve the perfect pour that drips beautifully down the sides of your cake.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a scrumptious Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake:

Cake Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Zest of 1 orange
½ cup fresh orange juice

Ganache Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Zest of 1 orange for garnish

Ensure everything is fresh and measured accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake:

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a sheet cake pan (about 12x17 inches).

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, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until mixed.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Stir in the boiling water into the batter carefully. The batter will be runny, but that’s expected.

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.

Prepare the Ganache

While the cake bakes, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Pour over the chopped chocolate in a bowl, let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish with additional orange zest.

Let the ganache set before slicing and serving your delicious Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake!

Pro Tips

For a stronger orange flavor, consider adding more zest or using an orange-flavored liqueur in the ganache.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings. You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just ensure it has cooled completely before wrapping to prevent sogginess. The ganache can also be prepared early; simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it slightly before pouring over the cake.

If you want to take your time with assembly, consider making the cake and ganache separately. You can bake the cake, let it cool, and then whip up the ganache on the day you plan to serve. This plan not only spreads out the workload but also ensures the ganache is fresh and glossy when it’s time to indulge.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, consider serving slices of this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The chill of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm flavors of chocolate and orange, adding another layer of depth to your dessert experience. You can also drizzle extra ganache over individual servings for a restaurant-quality touch.

Another delicious idea is to pair the cake with fresh orange segments or candied orange peel. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also intensifies the citrus notes, making each bite even more refreshing and vibrant. For a more casual affair, enjoy it as is with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh orange juice enhances the flavor significantly.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, the cake freezes well, but make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

→ What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?

You can substitute with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan alternative.