Chocolate Orange Snack Cake

Name: Chocolate Orange Snack Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; Zest of 1 orange; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1 tablespoon milk (as needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Sweet Temptations

I love making this Chocolate Orange Snack Cake for a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the refreshing zest of orange. The unique flavor combination excites my palate and brightens the day. This cake is super easy to whip up, perfect for unexpected guests or just a cozy night in. With every bite, I enjoy a moist and tender crumb that feels like a hug in cake form. Whether I serve it at a gathering or relish it alone, it always brings a smile to my face.

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:49:35.320Z

When I first created this Chocolate Orange Snack Cake, I was inspired by the classic flavor pairing found in desserts featuring chocolate and citrus. I wanted a cake that was simple yet packed with flavor. After several trials, I settled on a recipe that uses freshly grated orange zest and cocoa powder, resulting in a light yet decadent texture.

The key is to balance the sweetness of the chocolate with the tanginess of orange, which elevates the overall experience! I found adding a bit of orange juice into the batter helps to intensify that zesty flavor while keeping the cake moist.

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

Understanding the Ingredients

The balance of cocoa powder and orange zest is crucial to achieving a harmonious blend of flavors in this Chocolate Orange Snack Cake. The cocoa gives the cake its rich base, while fresh orange zest brightens the palate with its natural acidity. Using high-quality cocoa powder can enhance the chocolate flavor. If you're out of orange zest, you can use a dash of orange extract as a substitute, though the zest provides the best aromatic effect.

Additionally, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cake. Softened butter blends more easily with the sugar, resulting in a smoother batter. If you need a dairy-free version, try substituting the butter with coconut oil and using a plant-based milk alternative. Just ensure the texture remains creamy, as this will affect the final product's moistness.

Mastering the Baking Process

Properly mixing the dry and wet ingredients is essential for a tender and moist crumb. I recommend folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture rather than using a mixer at this stage; this minimizes gluten development. Gluten can make the cake dense, so mix just until combined, leaving a few streaks of flour. This technique keeps your cake light and airy.

When baking, keep an eye on the cake as it approaches the end of the baking time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you notice the edges pulling away from the pan, it’s a good sign that the cake is nearly done. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so it's better to check early.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your own Chocolate Orange Snack Cake:

Cake Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
Zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Frosting Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon milk (as needed for consistency)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, let's get started on making this delicious cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Chocolate Orange Snack Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

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

In another bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, milk, orange zest, and orange juice.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by creaming butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, orange zest, and orange juice together. Adjust consistency with milk as needed. Frost the cooled cake generously.

Enjoy a slice of your delicious Chocolate Orange Snack Cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter for added texture.

Storing and Freezing

This Chocolate Orange Snack Cake remains fresh for several days when stored correctly. After cooling completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to lock in moisture. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

If you're preparing for a gathering, consider making the cake a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste. Just frost it closer to serving time to ensure the frosting stays light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful serving experience, try pairing this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream balances the rich chocolate and citrus flavors. Garnishing with additional orange zest on top adds a vibrant touch and makes it visually appealing for guests.

Additionally, this cake is versatile enough to serve at different occasions. It shines as a festive dessert at celebrations or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. For a richer treat, consider drizzling a chocolate ganache over the top, incorporating an extra layer of decadence that complements the orange notes beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use premade frosting?

Absolutely! Store-bought frosting can save you time if you're in a hurry.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and refrigerate it. Just frost it right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.