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: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1½ tsp baking powder; 1½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2-3 tbsp heavy cream; 2 tsp orange juice; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Collection

I absolutely love making this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake whenever I need a crowd-pleasing dessert. The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Plus, it’s served in a sheet pan, making slicing and serving a breeze. With every bite, you'll experience a moist and decadent chocolate cake that is sure to impress anyone you share it with.

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:54:34.720Z

Making this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake has been a delightful journey for me in both flavor and creativity. I remember the first time I decided to add orange zest to a classic chocolate recipe, and it sparked a new favorite in my household. The fragrant zest cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating an unforgettable taste sensation.

One crucial tip I discovered is to use high-quality cocoa powder, which elevates the chocolate flavor significantly. Additionally, letting the cake sit for a few hours after baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more enjoyable. I always look forward to baking this cake for any occasion!

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

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. For instance, the combination of all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder creates a sturdy yet tender crumb. The sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the cake’s moisture. When selecting cocoa powder, opt for a high-quality brand; the richer the cocoa, the deeper the chocolate flavor you'll achieve in the final cake.

In this recipe, boiling water is a key component that may seem unconventional but is essential. It helps to dissolve the cocoa powder and activates the baking powder and baking soda more effectively. The result is a lighter, airier cake that maintains its moistness throughout. If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can substitute a portion with a sweeter alternative like maple syrup, adjusting the liquid content accordingly.

Frosting Techniques

The chocolate-orange frosting is what truly elevates this cake to another level. Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this ensures that it will whip up light and fluffy, creating a creamy and smooth frosting. Mixing in the orange juice and zest not only adds brightness but helps balance the richness of the chocolate. If your frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

For a little extra flair, consider garnishing your frosted cake with orange segments or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Using a serrated knife to slice the cake helps achieve clean edges, and serving it chilled enhances the refreshing taste of the orange. If you decide to make this cake ahead of time, the unfrosted cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to a month.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delectable Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake.

Cake Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Zest of 1 large orange

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2-3 tbsp heavy cream
2 tsp orange juice
Zest of 1 large orange
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to prepare everything before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake and frost your delicious Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x18 inch sheet pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Add Boiling Water

Gradually mix in the boiling water, which will thin the batter. This step helps the cake stay moist.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with the prepared chocolate-orange frosting.

Once frosted, it's time to slice, serve, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, garnish your cake with additional orange zest or chocolate shavings before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake sinks in the middle, it’s often due to overmixing or not baking it long enough. Ensure that you mix until just combined after adding the wet ingredients. A toothpick test should yield a clean result when you insert it into the center of the cake. Additionally, check the accuracy of your oven temperature; an oven thermometer can be a helpful tool to ensure that your cakes bake perfectly.

Another issue can arise if your cake turns out too dry. This could be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on it around the 25-minute mark, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Covering the cake with foil halfway through baking can help retain moisture. Additionally, you can add a simple syrup flavored with orange juice to the cooled cake layers before frosting them for an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.

Creative Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake can be served in various delightful ways! Pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can create a wonderful contrast between the rich chocolate and the creamy ice cream. You can also serve it with freshly whipped cream infused with orange zest to enhance the citrus notes.

For a fun twist, turn this cake into cupcakes by pouring the batter into lined muffin tins, baking for about 20-22 minutes, and topping each cupcake with frosting. These make for an excellent dessert option at parties or gatherings. Additionally, consider creating layered desserts; cut the cake into squares or rounds, layer it with frosting and fresh fruit, and serve it in individual cups for an elegant touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well in this recipe, as it provides a good structure.

→ What if I don’t have boiling water?

You can use hot water instead. The key is to blend hot liquid with the batter, which keeps the cake moist.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to three months.