Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake

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There’s something magical about the pairing of chocolate and orange. Rich, deep cocoa notes melt together with bright, zesty citrus to create a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. When baked into a beautifully sculpted Bundt cake, that harmony transforms into a showstopping centerpiece for your table.

This Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake is everything you want in a dessert: moist and tender with a tight crumb, infused with natural orange flavor, and topped with a silky chocolate glaze that glistens with decadence. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a brunch with friends, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to draw compliments and second helpings.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake

This cake doesn’t rely on artificial flavorings or shortcuts. It uses real orange zest and juice, layered into a rich cocoa batter, for bold and honest flavor. The Bundt shape allows for elegant presentation with minimal effort, and the final drizzle of ganache-style glaze adds a luxurious touch. Best of all? It keeps wonderfully moist for days, making it ideal for baking ahead.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

For the best results, use unsweetened natural cocoa powder. This kind of cocoa gives a deep chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness. If you prefer a darker, more intense taste, you can substitute with Dutch-process cocoa, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the cake’s rise depending on your leavening.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake

To make this cake, you’ll need a balance of pantry staples and a few fresh elements to bring the flavor to life. The ingredients work together to create a cake that’s rich but not too heavy, with that perfect citrus lift.

• All-purpose flour: The structure of the cake starts here. Be sure to measure it accurately.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking soda: Our leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the orange.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb tender and soft.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Fresh orange zest: Packs bright citrus oils for full-bodied orange flavor.
• Fresh orange juice: Enhances the zest and makes the citrus flavor pop.
• Vanilla extract: A warm background note that rounds out the sweetness.
• Boiling water: Helps bloom the cocoa for maximum chocolate intensity.
• Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips: Melted for the final glaze.
• Heavy cream: To make that ganache topping luscious and smooth.

How To Make the Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly dust with flour or cocoa powder and tap out the excess. This will ensure the cake releases cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry base will be enriched in the next step.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Carefully add the boiling water and stir gently until incorporated. The batter will be thin — this is normal and helps ensure a moist cake.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Let the glaze cool slightly, then drizzle it generously over the cooled cake.

Serving and Storing Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake

This cake easily serves 10 to 12 people, making it perfect for celebrations or gatherings. Slice and serve at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and moist texture. You can dress it up with orange slices, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

To store, cover the cake tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake?

Fresh Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cake.

Espresso or Coffee

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweet richness and enhances the chocolate notes.

Orange Sherbet

A scoop of orange sherbet on the side doubles down on the citrus flavor and adds a refreshing chill.

Dark Chocolate Shavings

Garnish the cake or plate with dark chocolate shavings for an extra elegant touch.

Candied Orange Peel

Adds chewiness and concentrated orange flavor to each bite.

Berries

Strawberries or raspberries pair beautifully with both chocolate and citrus.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream makes every warm bite even more indulgent.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed this Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake, here are more treats to explore next:

• Try the Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For if you’re craving citrus-packed brightness.
• The Butter Pecan Pound Cake offers a rich, nutty option for cozy evenings.
• Go for something fun and festive with the Ooey Gooey Bars that melt in your mouth.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes give you a perfect single-serve dessert with a twist.
• Or bring fruity fun to your table with No Bake Orange Creamsicle Pie.

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Let me know in the comments how your Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake turned out. Did you go bold with the glaze or add a twist of your own? I love seeing all the creative spins!

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