The first bite of a moist Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake is nothing short of magic. Imagine the rich chocolate melting in your mouth while a hint of citrus dances on your taste buds—pure bliss! This delightful treat brings back memories of cozy family gatherings where laughter echoed around the table like sweet music.
Growing up, my grandmother made this cake for every holiday celebration. The aroma filled our home like a warm hug, making it impossible to resist sneaking a slice before dinner. Now, I whip it up for any occasion, transforming ordinary days into extraordinary moments with just one delicious forkful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake offers an easy preparation that anyone can master
- The rich flavor combination creates a heavenly experience that’s visually stunning and perfect for any dessert table
- Its versatility allows you to serve it at birthdays, holidays, or simply as a treat for yourself
I once surprised my friends with this cake for a casual get-together; their delighted reactions were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for optimal texture; avoid self-rising flour to maintain control over leavening.
- Cocoa Powder: Choose unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor that balances perfectly with orange zest.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar creates sweetness; consider brown sugar for added moisture and richness.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh; this is essential for achieving a light and fluffy cake.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors; don’t skip it even if you think it’s optional.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help the batter emulsify better, leading to a fluffier texture.
- Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist; you can also use melted butter for richer flavor.
- Buttermilk: It adds tanginess and helps tenderize the crumb; substitute with milk plus vinegar if necessary.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Freshly grated zest and juice are crucial for a vibrant citrus flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Quality vanilla extract rounds out the flavors; opt for pure vanilla over imitation if possible.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top or making glaze; sift it before using to avoid lumps in your finish product.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan generously with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release later.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of dry ingredients throughout your batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, beat together eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Then add vegetable oil, buttermilk, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Mixture: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—stop when just combined to keep your cake light.
Pour into Bundt Pan and Bake : Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool Before Serving : Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing or serving.
This wonderful Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake is certain to win hearts. Every bite bursts with rich chocolate paired with zesty orange goodness—a match made in dessert heaven! Enjoy sharing (or keeping all) this incredible creation!
You Must Know
- This Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange
- The aroma fills your kitchen, promising a treat that’s both moist and flavorful
- Perfect for celebrations or just because you deserve it
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, incorporate eggs one at a time before adding dry ingredients mixed with orange zest. This sequence ensures even mixing and enhances flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chocolate for dark or white chocolate, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. A splash of Grand Marnier can elevate the orange flavor further, making it truly irresistible!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to warm it up, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, use room temperature ingredients
- Make sure your cake cools completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting away
- Always grease your Bundt pan thoroughly to avoid sticking!
I still remember the first time I made this cake for my friend’s birthday. Their face lit up when they took that first bite; it was pure joy!
FAQ
Can I use other citrus fruits in this recipe?
Yes, lemon or lime can add a unique twist to your bundt cake.
How long should I bake my Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake?
Bake at 350°F for approximately 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
What’s the best way to glaze my cake?
Drizzle the glaze while the cake is slightly warm for better adherence and flavor infusion.

Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12
Description
Indulge in the delightful Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake, where rich chocolate meets zesty orange for a perfect dessert experience that will impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Eggs
- Vegetable Oil
- Buttermilk
- Fresh Orange Zest and Juice
- Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your bundt pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add oil, buttermilk, orange juice, zest, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. Enhance the orange flavor with a splash of Grand Marnier. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.