Homemade Chocolate Orange Cake: Decadence Without Butter or Eggs

Are you like me who loves citrus flavored dessert? If you are, then today is your lucky day! You just found the easiest Orange Chocolate Cake recipe, and I have a bonus treat for you. Are you ready? There’s no egg and no butter and you can make it in one bowl in less than 1 hour, and no mixer needed as well! Less mess, less clean up. Everything is just dumping the ingredients and manually mixing it. Did I convince you already to try it?

Orange Chocolate Cake

Why Chocolate Orange Cake?

Nothing captures the essence of comfort and indulgence quite like chocolate orange cake. It’s that perfect mix of bittersweet chocolate paired with the sunny zest of oranges—plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s guilt-free and deliciously moist, all while skipping butter and eggs? Let’s dive into why this cake deserves a spot in your kitchen!

Small Batch Eggless and Butterless Chocolate Orange Cake

The Secret Behind the Moisture

Ever wondered how a cake stays moist without butter or eggs? It’s all about balance and clever substitutes. This cake uses oil instead of butter for the soft and moist crumb. This cake uses simple pantry ingredients that create a perfectly tender crumb. The addition of fresh orange zest not only boosts flavor but also adds a refreshing aroma. Not to forget, the chocolate ganache spread in the middle makde this cake even more moist and decadent.

Small Batch Orange Chocolate Cake

Fresh Orange Zest, A Flovor Game Changer

Orange zest is more than just an ingredient—it’s the hero of this recipe! By finely grating the orange peel, you unleash natural oils packed with bright citrus flavors. These oils pair wonderfully with rich cocoa powder, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy. For me, nothing beats a fresh citus flavoring. Ditch that artifical flavoring and go fro fresh, you will not regret it.

Chocolate Orange Cake

Egg Free Baking

With the price of the egg getting more expensive each day, we have to be creative and adapt to the situation. Baking without egg is not impossible, in fact, you will see a lot of baked products without egg. Vegan baking for instance. Although egg plays a crucial role in bake products, it is not impossible to make a dleicious cake without egg. You might be asking—how does a cake hold itself together without eggs? This recipe relies on clever techniques, like the use of baking soda, to create the same rise and structure. It’s egg-free without compromise, and the result? A cake that’s light and fluffy!

Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Butter Free Delight

So no eggs, and now no butter as well? While butter often steals the spotlight in traditional baking, this cake proves it’s not always necessary. Using oil instead ensures the cake stays soft and moist, without the richness overpowering the delicate chocolate-orange flavors. Oil makes the cake moist and stays softer longer even when refrigerated. Plus, it is budget friendly too, that is a bonus.

Perfect Pairing and Serving Ideas

This cake is versatile—it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Want to level up? Consider garnishing with candied orange slices or a drizzle of chocolate glaze or serve it with fresh fruits on the side. How about a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Yes please!

Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (195 grams) All Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) Granulated White Sugar
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (not Dutch-processed), sifted (I used any kind of cocoa and it turned out still ok)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon table Salt
  • 1/3 cup (75 grams) Unsalted Butter, melted or 1/3 cup flavorless oil (like canola, vegetable oil)
  • 1 cup Orange Juice (I used freshly squeeze and pass it through strainer to remove pulp)
  • 1 teaspoon pure Vanilla Extract
  • Zest of 2 large orange
  • Chocolate Ganache
  • Icing sugar – optional

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (170C) and place rack in center of oven.
  2.  Stir together the flour, sugar, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add orange zest then mix until combined.
  3. Add oil or melted butter, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Manually mix all the ingredients together until well blended.
  4. Pour in a greased pan lined with parchment paper.
    • Pan Size: 8″ square pan
      • Baking Time : 30 minutes
    • Pan Size: 6″ round pan
      • Baking Time : 40 – 45 minutes
    • Pan Size: 5 x 5 square pan
      • Baking Time: 25 minutes
    • Pan Size: 5 x 5 round pan
      • Baking Time: 33 – 35 minutes
  5. Bake in preheated oven for the time specified above, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool before removing from the pan.
  6. Add Chocolate Ganache
    • If you are using the square pan/rectangle, and you want to serve and cut it from the pan, just pour the ganache on top then let it set before serving to allow the ganache to thicken.
    • If  you want it served out from the pan, slice the cake in the middle and spread chocolate ganache in the center, then cover it with the other half. Pour the remaining chocolate ganache on top or dust top with icing sugar. Decorate as desired. Be creative and have fun!

Serves 2-3

Ok, going back to this delicious mouthwatering cake. This cake was a sure hit when I took it to the office. They all loved it, and that is more than enough for me. After all, I baked for my friends more than for myself.

If you are not a citrus fan and you want a plain chocolate cake instead, I got you covered. Check out my One Bowl Chocolate Cake, No Butter, No Egg post, if you love this post, you will love that one too. It’s basically the same recipe, you will just replace the orange juice with water, and you will remove the orange zest. Not feeling like chocolate, no problem! I also have Eggless and Butterless Orange Sponge Cake. I struggled so bad controlling myself not to eat this But as always, I gave in, no regrets there!

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