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 whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; Zest of 1 orange; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest

Highlighted under: Classic Food

When I first combined chocolate and orange in this sheet cake, I was surprised by how well the flavors complemented each other. The richness of the dark chocolate combined with the bright citrus notes creates a wonderfully balanced dessert. I love making it for gatherings because everyone is always pleasantly surprised by the twist on classic flavors. This cake is simple to prepare yet delivers an impressive result that leaves everyone asking for the recipe. You’ll want to keep this delightful cake on rotation in your baking routine!

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:41:34.467Z

I remember the first time I took a bite of this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake; it was as if fireworks went off in my mouth! The clever marriage of chocolate’s richness with a punch of fresh orange zest dazzles the palate. I’ve experimented with various frostings, but I find a simple orange-infused cream cheese frosting strikes the perfect balance without overpowering the cake.

What I discovered during my baking escapades is that using high-quality cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor significantly. Also, ensuring you mix the batter just until combined helps keep the cake moist and fluffy. Trust me; these small tips make a huge difference in the final result.

        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 Ingredients

The combination of all-purpose flour and cocoa powder sets the base for this moist and flavorful cake. While all-purpose flour provides structure, the unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial for achieving that rich chocolate flavor. It's essential to sift your dry ingredients to ensure they are well combined and free from lumps, which results in a smoother batter and ultimately a more seamless texture in the final cake.

The addition of boiling water might seem unusual, but it plays a vital role in enhancing the cocoa powder's richness and creating a super moist cake. The boiling water activates the cocoa, allowing it to bloom and develop a deeper flavor — this is a key step that can elevate your cake from good to great. If you’d like a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder or adding a splash of espresso to the water.

Frosting Tips for Success

For the frosting, make sure to use softened cream cheese and butter to ensure they blend smoothly together. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave the butter in brief 10-15 second bursts until just softened, but avoid melting it completely as this can lead to a runny frosting. When you gradually add the powdered sugar, this helps prevent it from becoming clumpy, ensuring a creamy and spreadable texture for your frosting.

If you’re looking to customize your frosting, you can adjust the orange juice to zest ratio to match your personal taste. More juice will provide a tangy finish, while extra zest will give a burst of fragrance. For additional flavor variations, consider incorporating a splash of vanilla extract or other citrus juices like lemon or lime to complement the orange.

Serving and Storage Recommendations

This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake is best served at room temperature, which allows the flavors to fully develop and makes the frosting luscious. You can enhance presentation by garnishing the top with candied orange slices or chocolate shavings for a charming touch. If you want to prepare it in advance, the cake itself can be baked a day prior and wrapped in plastic wrap once cooled to retain moisture—just hold off on frosting until the day of serving.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cake stays moist and flavorful, but if you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. For longer storage, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it should keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it out to room temperature.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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 whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Zest of 1 orange

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Carefully stir in boiling water and orange zest.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest, mixing until creamy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with extra orange zest if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding orange liqueur to the frosting. Just a tablespoon can enhance the citrus notes beautifully.

Common Troubleshooting Techniques

If your cake doesn't rise properly, ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as old leavening agents may not activate effectively. Overmixing the batter after adding the wet ingredients can also lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined. While a toothpick test is a great indicator, be cautious not to open the oven door too early as it may cause the cake to sink in the middle.

In case of a slight dome or cracks on the surface after baking, don’t worry! This can typically occur due to rapid temperature changes or an overly full pan. If your cake does crack, a layer of frosting will easily hide any imperfections, making it look beautifully finished.

Variations to Explore

For a twist on the flavors, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking. This adds a delightful texture and richness, especially if you select dark chocolate chips for a double chocolate experience. If you're a fan of spice, a hint of cinnamon or cardamom can accentuate the chocolate-orange combination beautifully.

If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to verify that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder, are gluten-free. Note that the texture may vary slightly, but the rich flavors will still shine through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just wait to frost it until you’re ready to serve.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.