Decadent Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this decadent chocolate cake, enhanced with the tangy brightness of freshly squeezed orange cream cheese frosting. Inspired by the ingenious methods of Anne Byrn, this recipe transforms a simple cake mix into an extraordinary dessert that will impress your family and friends. The buttermilk lends a moist texture, while the cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor, creating a cake that's both rich and satisfying. Topped with a creamy, citrus-infused frosting, this cake is not only a visual delight but also a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable shortening
for greasing the pans (to grease the cake pans)
flour
for dusting the pans (to dust the greased cake pans)
pudding enhanced devil's food cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) package (use as directed)
unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons (to be mixed with cake batter)
buttermilk
1 1/3 cups (add to the cake batter)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (add to the cake batter)
large eggs
3 (add to the cake batter)
pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (add to the cake batter)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (at room temperature for frosting)
butter
8 tablespoons (at room temperature for frosting)
confectioners' sugar
3 cups (sifted for frosting)
freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons (add to frosting)
grated orange zest
1 tablespoon (add to frosting)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease two 9-inch round cake pans with solid vegetable shortening, then dust with flour, shaking out the excess. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and unsweetened cocoa powder. Pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, blend on medium speed until the batter is thick and smooth, about 2 minutes.
3
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
4
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Carefully remove them from the pans and place them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, which makes frosting much easier.
5
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Using your electric mixer on low speed, blend until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar while mixing on low speed until well incorporated. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice and grated orange zest, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
7
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
16.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this cake recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.
What inspired the method for this chocolate cake?
The recipe is inspired by the ingenious methods of Anne Byrn, focusing on transforming a simple cake mix into an extraordinary dessert.
What type of cake mix is used as the base?
The recipe uses one 18.25-ounce package of pudding-enhanced devil's food cake mix.
What ingredients are added to the cake mix to enhance it?
The cake mix is enhanced with unsweetened cocoa powder, buttermilk, vegetable oil, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F.
How should the cake pans be prepared?
Generously grease two 9-inch round cake pans with solid vegetable shortening and dust them with flour, shaking out any excess.
How much buttermilk is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/3 cups of buttermilk.
How long should I mix the cake batter?
Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is thick and smooth.
What is the baking time for the chocolate cake layers?
The cakes should be baked for approximately 35 minutes.
How can I tell if the cakes are fully baked?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on a wire rack for 30 minutes before removing them.
What is the secret tip for making the cakes easier to frost?
Placing the cake layers in the freezer for 20-30 minutes after they have cooled makes the frosting process much easier.
What ingredients are needed for the orange cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of cream cheese, butter, sifted confectioners' sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and grated orange zest.
What temperature should the cream cheese and butter be for the frosting?
Both the cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature to ensure a creamy and fluffy texture.
How much orange zest is used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest.
How much confectioners' sugar is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 3 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar.
How do you achieve a light and fluffy frosting texture?
After adding the orange juice and zest, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for approximately 3-4 minutes.
How many cake layers does this recipe produce?
This recipe produces two 9-inch round cake layers.
How should the cake be stored?
Any leftover cake should be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 10g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, 2.5g of protein, and 16.7g of sugar.
How much cocoa powder is added to the batter?
3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder are added to deepen the chocolate flavor.
How much orange juice is in the frosting?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What role does buttermilk play in this recipe?
Buttermilk lends a moist texture and tangy depth to the chocolate cake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 13 ingredients used in this recipe, including those for the cake and the frosting.
What tags are associated with this dessert?
Tags include chocolate cake, devil's food cake, buttermilk cake, orange frosting, and celebration cake.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy cake recipe because it uses a cake mix as a base.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How much butter is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 8 tablespoons (one stick) of butter.
What type of oil is used in the cake batter?
1/2 cup of vegetable oil is used in the batter.
What is the primary flavor profile of the frosting?
The frosting is a creamy, citrus-infused blend of cream cheese, butter, and orange flavors.