If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the season, look no further than this Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe. Rich, moist chocolate cake infused with vibrant orange zest and juicy citrus flavor creates a harmony that feels like a holiday hug in every bite. Topped with a luscious chocolate orange ganache and crowned with festive garnishes, this cake isn’t just a treat, it’s a celebration you can slice and share with loved ones. Whether it’s your first time making a chocolaty holiday cake or you’re adding a new favorite to your repertoire, this recipe is straightforward, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress at any Christmas gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its rich flavor and perfect texture. From the cocoa powder that delivers deep chocolate notes to the fresh orange zest that brightens every bite, you’ll see how these essentials transform together into something truly special.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the perfect structure and light crumb for the cake’s base.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Adds rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): These leaveners ensure your cake rises just right, keeping it light and fluffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture, giving the cake a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake extra moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake while helping with texture and browning.
- Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients and add structure, making the cake sturdy yet soft.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings depth and warmth, enhancing the chocolate and orange essences.
- Orange zest (from 2 oranges): Offers fresh, aromatic citrus oils that define the cake’s festive flair.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 cup): Infuses acidity and moisture, brightening the overall flavor.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Provides tanginess and tenderizes, making the cake extra soft.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (1 cup): Melts slightly in the batter to create delightful chocolate pockets.
- For the Chocolate Orange Ganache: Heavy cream (1/2 cup), chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate (1 cup), orange zest (1 tablespoon), orange juice (1 tablespoon).
- Optional Garnishes: Candied orange slices, chocolate curls, powdered sugar, or festive sprinkles for that picture-perfect holiday finish.
How to Make Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or two 8-inch pans and line them with parchment paper — this makes sure your cake releases perfectly once baked. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of your dry ingredients for a uniform rise and consistent flavor.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy — this aerates the batter and gives the cake its tender crumb. This stage is key for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them and avoid curdling. Then stir in your vanilla extract and the aromatic zest of two oranges. This will fill your kitchen with that warm, inviting citrus fragrance that feels just right for the holidays.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring jug, mix together freshly squeezed orange juice and buttermilk. Now, add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in three portions, alternating with the buttermilk and orange juice mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined — over-mixing can toughen your cake, so fold carefully.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Bake
Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Orange Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. Mix in the orange zest and juice to infuse that unmistakable festive flavor throughout the ganache.
Step 7: Assemble and Decorate
Once your cake is completely cool, pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip luxuriously down the sides. Top with candied orange slices, chocolate curls, powdered sugar, or festive sprinkles — whatever makes your heart (and craving) happiest!
How to Serve Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The visual appeal of this cake is as important as the flavor. Candied orange slices bring a jewel-like sparkle and a chewy citrus burst. Chocolate curls offer elegance and texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy effect, while colorful festive sprinkles contribute a joyful celebratory vibe perfect for Christmas occasions.
Side Dishes
Pairing this chocolate orange cake with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the rich chocolate and zesty orange perfectly. For grown-up gatherings, a glass of smooth, rich port or a warm cup of spiced mulled wine works wonderfully alongside each slice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, stack two layers with ganache between for extra indulgence. Serve on a rustic wooden board surrounded by holly sprigs or sprinkle crushed candy canes around the plate for a festive crunch. Even a simple slice on a vintage china plate evokes warmth and nostalgia at the holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake actually benefits from resting a bit — the orange flavor deepens and the cake becomes even more moist after sitting overnight. Keep leftovers covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for up to five days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delightful Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe later, slice it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or place wrapped slices in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. Reheating enhances the gooey ganache and brings the chocolate to a delightful melt, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it and left to sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity and tenderness. This swap keeps the cake moist and tenderly textured.
Is this cake suitable for freezing after frosting?
It is best to freeze this cake without the ganache coating so that the texture and flavor remain at their peak. Add the ganache and decorations after thawing and before serving for the freshest presentation.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. Choose dairy-free chocolate and cream alternatives for the ganache, and you’re all set for a vegan-friendly festive dessert.
How can I intensify the orange flavor in this recipe?
Adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest into the batter and ganache, or a splash more orange juice, can boost the citrus notes. Using high-quality fresh oranges also makes a noticeable difference in flavor vibrancy.
What makes this a Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe rather than an everyday chocolate cake?
The combination of bright orange zest and juice with rich chocolate, finished with a gleaming ganache and holiday garnishes, brings out the seasonal spirit. The fresh citrus, warm aroma, and decorative touches make it feel truly special for Christmas celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe is one of those magical holiday treats you’ll want to make year after year. Its perfect balance of rich chocolate and zesty citrus is comforting and celebratory all at once. Whether you’re sharing with family or gifting to friends, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories to your festive table. So preheat your oven, gather the ingredients, and get ready to bake a little slice of Christmas joy that everyone will adore!
Print
Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake is a rich and indulgent holiday dessert combining the deep flavors of cocoa and bright citrus notes of fresh orange. Moist and tender, it’s topped with a luscious chocolate orange ganache and decorated with festive garnishes, perfect for celebrating Christmas or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Chocolate Orange Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Optional Garnish:
- Candied orange slices
- Chocolate curls
- Powdered sugar
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dry ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or two 8-inch pans) and line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Cream the fats and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating adequate aeration for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full emulsification. Stir in the vanilla extract and the zest of two oranges for aromatic flavor infusion.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: In a separate container, mix the freshly squeezed orange juice and buttermilk. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the orange juice mixture in three parts, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate into the batter, distributing evenly without breaking the incorporated air.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling doneness. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the chocolate orange ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour immediately over the chopped chocolate placed in a heat-safe bowl. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Stir in the orange zest and orange juice evenly.
- Finish and garnish: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip enticingly down the sides. Decorate with candied orange slices, chocolate curls, powdered sugar, or festive sprinkles as desired for a beautiful holiday presentation.
Notes
- The cake’s flavor improves if allowed to rest for a day, as the orange notes intensify and meld beautifully with the chocolate.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moistness, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Bring the refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant citrus taste.
