Wacky Chocolate Orange Cake with Orange Frosting

Indulge your taste buds with this Wacky Chocolate Orange Cake with Orange Frosting—a dessert that’s as simple as it is extraordinary! This vegan-friendly, no-egg, no-dairy cake uses the "wacky" method of combining pantry staples like orange juice, cocoa powder, and a touch of white vinegar for a moist, chocolatey base with a zesty citrus twist. Topped with a luscious, buttery orange frosting infused with fresh orange zest and juice, this cake is a striking balance of rich and refreshing flavors. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it the perfect last-minute treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in an afternoon sweet craving, this easy chocolate-orange cake will be your new go-to dessert!

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup orange juice
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for frosting)
• 1 drop orange food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan and lightly dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.

Step 3

Make three small wells in the dry ingredients. Pour the orange juice into one well, the vegetable oil into the second, and the white vinegar into the third.

Step 4

Pour the water and vanilla extract over everything and mix well with a whisk or spatula until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until creamy.

Step 9

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 10

Add the orange zest, orange juice, and optional orange food coloring. Beat the mixture until light and fluffy.

Step 11

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the orange frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or offset knife.

Step 12

Slice, serve, and enjoy your Wacky Chocolate Orange Cake with Orange Frosting!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1304.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4035.9

Total Fat 170.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 40.4g
Cholesterol 258.3mg	0%
Sodium 2467.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 644.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.6g	0%
Total Sugars 460.0g
Protein 34.0g	0%

Vitamin D 58.3IU	0%
Calcium 167.8mg	0%
Iron 18.6mg	0%
Potassium 1693.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.0%

Protein: 3.2%

Carbs: 60.8%