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    Home » Recipes » cake » Chocolate Orange Cake with Marshmallow Frosting

    Chocolate Orange Cake with Marshmallow Frosting

    March 18, 2022 By Chandice | 17 Comments | Updated February 20, 2023

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    chocolate orange cake pin

    this post may contain affiliate links

    This chocolate orange cake is the perfect decadent dessert topped with delicious marshmallow frosting. It’s the perfect combination of chocolate and citrus!

    With simple ingredients and only 45 minutes, you can make this chocolate cake recipe. Take one bite of this orange dessert and you’ll be hooked! It’s that dangerous.

    Chocolate Orange Cake on a blue plate

    I chose to make this chocolate orange cake because of its nostalgic holiday flavors. I loved getting a chocolate orange in my stocking every year on Christmas. I figured if it was a nostalgic holiday flavor for me, it had to be for others as well!

    I chose to make this cake gluten-free but honestly, you can’t tell. I make cakes like our drip cake or this gluten-free poppyseed cake, Dr Pepper cake, bento cake and gluten free apple cake plus these cakesicles all the time and nobody knows they’re gluten-free!

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    This recipe has to be one of my favorite cake recipes because the orange flavor comes from orange extract. No need for fresh orange slices but feel free to drizzle with orange simple syrup or serve with orange juice for more flavor. If you are more of a banana flavor fan, you will love this black bottom pie with banana cream filling.

    Do orange and chocolate go together?

    Yes! The fresh orange flavor blends perfectly with the rich, intense, and lush chocolate flavor. The combination creates nostalgic holiday flavors that will leave you wanting seconds! It’s one of my favorite guilt-free healthy desserts.

    Chocolate Orange Cake piece on a fork

    What’s chocolate orange cake made of?

    For this yummy chocolate orange cake you need basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. There aren’t ingredients like almond flour, apple cider vinegar, or almond meal that you’d typically find in some unique cakes.

    Oatmeal

    I use gluten-free oats for this recipe but any oats will work so well in this recipe. They are full of fiber and replace much of the flour you traditionally use in cake. We also love using oatmeal for other recipes like our oat flour pancakes, gluten-free meatloaf, gluten-free oatmeal cream pies and gluten-free rhubarb crisp.

    Brown Sugar

    There’s something about the brown sugar and orange combination that hits the spot! This recipe calls for slightly more brown sugar than white sugar which gives it a smoother taste and texture.

    Gluten-free flour

    If you’re not gluten-free feel free to swap for all purpose flour. Honestly, nobody can even tell that this cake is gluten-free so swapping the flour makes little difference.

    Chocolate

    I like to add chocolate to the cake batter as well as on top of the cake before baking. I personally love Guittard milk chocolate and think it is the best for this recipe, but normal chocolate chips will also work.

    Chocolate Orange Cake with orange slices and chocolate

    How do you make chocolate orange cake?

    Step 1: With an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar.

    Step 2: Add eggs to the wet ingredients and continuing mixing on low speed

    Step 3: Add dry ingredients to a large bowl until just mixed

    Step 4: Combine oats, orange extract, vanilla extract and water in a separate bowl and let them sit 2 minutes then add them to the mixture

    Step 5: Gently stir in one chopped chocolate bar or chocolate chips.

    Step 6: Pour cake mix into 9×13 cake pans greased with olive oil, coconut oil or vegetable oil

    Step 7: Add two more chocolate bars to the top of the cake before baking

    Step 8: Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool on a cooling rack.

    Frosting recipe

    Step 9: When the cake has cooled, prepare the frosting by combining butter, sugar, heavy cream, milk and orange extract in a pot.

    Pro Tip: Make sure the cake is cooled before making the frosting so it doesn’t harden.

    Step 10: Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and add mini marshmallows and remaining chocolate.

    Step 11: Stir until smooth then pour immediately over the room temperature cake.

    Pro Tip: Add orange zest or a fresh orange peel to the top of the cake for a beautiful garnish!

    Chocolate Orange Cake on a blue plate with orange slices

    Expert tips and FAQs

    Why are chocolate oranges a Christmas thing?

    Oranges are said to represent a gift of gold from Saint Nicholas which is why they’re so popular around Christmas! It’s common for people to receive chocolate oranges in their Christmas stocking. I also love the book Christmas oranges.

    How to store chocolate orange cake

    You can store this delicious cake in an airtight container or in plastic wrap at room temperature for 4-6 days. You can also freeze this cake for up to 3 months if you’re looking to preserve it for longer.

    Can I make this cake double layered?

    Yes! You can divide batter or double this recipe and make layered cake. If you’re dividing the batter, it’s a good idea to use a smaller prepared pan instead of a 9×13. Bake as directed and frost the middle and top layer!

    More Christmas dishes

    Figuring out what to bring to Christmas can be stressful! My go-to recipes are this candy cane Christmas mocktail and this gluten-free Christmas crack! My family and I love making creative Christmas recipes that everyone can enjoy!

     

    Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
    Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

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    Chocolate Orange Cake with Marshmallow Frosting

    chocolate orange cake on a blue plate
    4.80 from 5 votes
    This chocolate orange cake is the perfect holiday dessert topped with delicious marshmallow frosting. It's the perfect combination of chocolate and citrus!
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 35 mins
    Total Time: 45 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cake, chocolate, orange
    Servings: 16 slices
    Calories: 506kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    Chocolate Cake

    • 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 3/4 cup white sugar
    • 1/2 cup butter melted
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour if you prefer)
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 cup gluten-free oats (or just regular oats)
    • 1 3/4 cup boiling water
    • 1 teaspoon orange extract
    • 12 ounces milk chocolate chips

    Frosting

    • 6 tablespoons butter
    • 3 tablespoons whole cream
    • 3 tablespoons milk
    • 1 1/3 cup sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
    • 3/4 cup mini marshmallows
    • 6 ounces milk chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
    • In a stand mixer, cream together butter and 1 1/4 C brown sugar with 3/4 C white sugar
    • Add eggs one at a time and continuing mixing
    • Add gluten-free flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cacao powder in another bowl then to the wet ingredients until just mixed
    • Combine oats, orange extract, vanilla extract and water in a bowl and let them sit 2 minutes then add it to the other cake mix ingredients
    • Gently stir in 6 ounces milk chocolate chips
    • Pour batter into a greased 9×13 cake pan
    • Sprinkle 6 more ounces milk chocolate chips to the top of the cake before baking
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or just crumby but not wet
    • Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by combining 6 T melted butter, 1 1/3 C sugar, cream, milk and 1/4 tsp. orange extract in a pot and cook over low to medium heat
    • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and add mini marshmallows and 6 ounces milk chocolate chips
    • Stir until smooth then pour immediately over the cooled cake, do not allow the frosting to cool first

    Notes

    How to store chocolate orange cake

    You can store this delicious cake in an airtight container or in plastic wrap at room temperature for 4-6 days. You can also freeze this cake for up to 3 months if you’re looking to preserve it for longer.

    Pro Tip:

    Add orange zest or a fresh orange peel to the top of the cake for a beautiful garnish!
    Pro Tip: Wait until cake has cooled to make the frosting so it doesn’t harden.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice of cake | Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 3.3mg

    *This post was originally December 17, 2017 but it has since been updated with more information and better instructions.

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    Filed Under: cake, Gluten-Free Sweet Treats Tagged With: cake, chocolate, orange, sweet treats

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kelly says

      February 18, 2023 at 12:04 am

      4 stars
      I’m confused. You have vanilla extract in the instructions above the recipe but no amount in the recipe below. You also have baking powder in the recipe and nowhere in the recipe instructions on where to add it. I added it to the dry mix. However, I completely missed the vanilla and am hoping my cake isn’t ruined. Something else that would be helpful. Don’t make the frosting until the cake has cooled to room temperature. I had to stop midway so it didn’t harden before the cake cooled.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        February 20, 2023 at 3:13 pm

        Thanks Kelly, I made those changes. You are right, they were all in the body of the post but left out in the recipe card. It has been updated. I also made the note about the frosting. I have found that the cake usually cools enough in the time it takes to make the frosting but I added the note nonetheless.

        Reply
    2. JD says

      May 06, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Love this, and love that it is gluten free.

      Reply
    3. Jess says

      April 07, 2022 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love Terry’s chocolate oranges at Christmas, so we LOVED this recipe! It also looks really similar to a cake my husband’s grandma makes for special occasions and everyone always raves about the icing. They loved this variation!

      Reply
    4. Brooke says

      March 18, 2022 at 7:28 am

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe today and oh my goodness. I was surprised with how much I loved it. When you first hear “orange chocolate cake,” it’s a little confusing, but I think it’s my new favorite cake!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        March 18, 2022 at 7:53 pm

        It’s our favorite too! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Erin Lane says

      December 28, 2017 at 3:35 am

      seven layer bars are what some people call magic bars

      Reply
    6. Karen D says

      December 23, 2017 at 8:50 pm

      My grandmother’s donuts are my favorite childhood recipe

      Reply
    7. Missy M. says

      December 20, 2017 at 3:08 am

      No bake cookies with oatmeal, chocolate and peanut butter! I still love them!

      Reply
    8. Brianna Wolin says

      December 19, 2017 at 8:37 pm

      I love my mom’s famous cheesecake!

      Reply
    9. Amanda Wood says

      December 18, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      My grandmother made amazing popcorn balls 🙂 I still make them every Christmas

      Reply
    10. Paula Decaria says

      December 18, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies

      Reply
    11. jberry says

      December 18, 2017 at 12:12 am

      My moms’ classic Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies.

      Reply
    12. Stefanie says

      December 17, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      My grandma used to make us zucchini bread and it was my favorite!

      Reply
    13. Dana Coughlin says

      December 17, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      My dad made the best bread pudding.

      Reply
    14. Raymond says

      December 17, 2017 at 12:50 pm

      I always enjoyed gooey rice kridpie treats with lots of marshmallows.

      Reply
      • Raymond says

        December 17, 2017 at 12:51 pm

        “Krispie”

        Reply

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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi there, I’m Chandice!

    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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