Tried this for the first time and it turned out fantastic! Going to be on people's plates during Christmas for sure!

Name: Tried this for the first time and it turned out fantastic! Going to be on people's plates during Christmas for sure!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Created by

Madison Cole

Last updated on 2025-12-18T15:49:40.025Z

This recipe is perfect for the holiday season, bringing joy and flavor to your festive gatherings!

        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

      

A Holiday Favorite

This rich chocolate cake, infused with the delightful essence of fresh orange zest, brings a festive touch to any holiday table. The combination of flavors not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also creates a memorable dessert that guests will rave about. As you gather with family and friends, this cake stands out as a centerpiece, ready to be sliced and shared, making every gathering feel special.

Whether it’s for Christmas dinner or a New Year’s celebration, this cake is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Its beautiful layers, topped with creamy frosting, not only taste great but look stunning as well. When served, it evokes the warmth and joy of the season, reminding us of the simple pleasures of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While this cake shines during the holidays, its appeal stretches far beyond festive occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, or even a cozy weekend treat become extraordinary with this chocolate delight. Its rich and creamy texture makes it an indulgent experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Additionally, this recipe can be easily adapted. Want a hint of mint for a refreshing twist? Or perhaps some espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor? The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this cake uniquely yours while still maintaining its irresistible core qualities.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, remember to measure your ingredients accurately. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour, and always sift dry ingredients such as cocoa powder and powdered sugar to avoid lumps. These small steps can greatly enhance the overall texture and flavor of the cake.

Also, allowing your cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial. If the layers are even slightly warm, the frosting may melt, resulting in a gooey mess rather than a beautifully frosted cake. Take your time, and enjoy the process; the end result will be well worth it!

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, until you achieve a smooth frosting. Stir in vanilla extract.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate as desired and enjoy your delicious cake!

Storing Your Cake

To keep your chocolate cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for about a week. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.

If you're preparing in advance, you can also freeze the cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and frost as desired.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch of elegance, consider dusting the frosted cake with some cocoa powder or decorating it with chocolate shavings. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the presentation and flavor, creating a stunning visual appeal that will impress your guests.

Pair your cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert even further. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the rich chocolate, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

→ How can I store the cake?

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

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg.