Chocolate Orange Coffee Cake

Name: Chocolate Orange Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1 ½ cups brown sugar; 6 tablespoons butter (chilled); 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 ⅓ cups sugar; ¾ cup butter (room temperature); 3 eggs; 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla; Zest from 1 orange; 3 cups flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups sour cream; ¼ cups fresh orange juice; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

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This Chocolate Orange Coffee Cake is a delightful twist on the classic coffee cake recipe. Made with real chocolate and fresh orange juice, it is both indulgent and refreshing at the same time.

slice of chocolate orange coffee cake on a plate.

This Orange Coffee Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a lazy Sunday morning or a special birthday celebration. The combination of rich chocolate and tangy orange creates a deliciously balanced flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🛒Ingredients
🔪 How to Make Chocolate Orange Coffee Cake
📝Variations
🥄 Equipment
🥫 Storage
Serve With
💭 Tips
⁉️ FAQ
🍽 More Coffee Cake Recipes
🧾Recipe Card

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This coffee cake is a match made in heaven for those who appreciate the interplay of citrus and chocolate flavors.
You’ll adore the moist, buttery crumb that perfectly complements the zesty orange and rich chocolate.
Moreover, each slice is a feast for the eyes with its tempting glaze and swirls—a true work of art for your next coffee break or dessert spread.

🛒Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this easy recipe. Gather these ingredients on your next trip to the grocery store and you will have a tasty dessert that your family will enjoy in no time at all.

bowls of butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, pecans, and chocolate chips on a marble counter.

Streusel:

cinnamon
brown sugar
butter
chopped pecans
mini chocolate chips

butter, oranges, vanilla, eggs, salt and baking powder, sour cream, and flour on a marble counter.

Cake:

sugar
butter
eggs
vanilla
orange zest
flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
sour cream
fresh orange juice

bowls of vanilla, orange juice, and powdered sugar on a marble counter.

Orange glaze:

powdered sugar
vanilla
orange juice

See the recipe card below for quantities.

🔪 How to Make Chocolate Orange Coffee Cake

Making this chocolate orange coffee cake is so simple. Just follow the step-by-step directions and you will have a delicious cake to share with your family and friends in no time at all.

crumb topping in being mixed in a small bowl.

Step 1: Make the streusel

Combine brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix. Add the butter in small pieces and using a pastry cutter, mix until you get small crumbs. Can be done with knives if you don’t have a pastry cutter. Add in the chocolate chips and pecans and stir. Place the bowl in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Step 2: Start the cake batter

To make the cake, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time until well mixed. Add in the vanilla and orange zest and mix. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

Step 3: Add in the dry ingredients and orange juice

Starting with the flour, add about ¼ of the total amount to the butter/sugar mixture and stir. Add in about ⅓ of the sour cream and mix. Alternate until both flour and sour cream are incorporated. Add the fresh orange juice and thoroughly mix.

cake batter being added to a glass baking dish.

Step 4: Add the cake to the pan

Grease a 13” x 9” x 2” pan. Add in about half of the cake mixture, spreading an even layer on the bottom. Add a layer of streusel on top, and then drop big spoonfuls of the cake batter over the top and gently spread it out, taking care not to mix in the streusel.

crumb topping being added to the top of a cake in a glass casserole dish.

Step 5: Bake the cake

Add the remaining streusel layer on top and place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Cover with a piece of foil and continue to bake for another 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out cleanly. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes before adding the glaze.

finished chocolate orange coffee cake in a glass baking dish.

Step 6: Glaze the cake

To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange juice in a small bowl and drizzle over the top of the slightly cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!

📝Variations

Do you want to change up this recipe and make it your own? Here are some ways that you can do that!

For a twist on this classic, consider adding a dash of almond extract to the glaze for a nutty aroma that pairs wonderfully with orange.
If you’re a fan of texture, throw in some toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the streusel for an added crunch.
Seeking a richer chocolate experience? Swap the mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks to elevate the decadence of each bite.

Are you a fan of chocolate and orange flavors together? If so, check out this Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookie recipe. It’s bound to be a huge hit with your family.

🥄 Equipment

You will need a few kitchen tools to help you make this recipe, gather these tools so you can enjoy this sweet treat:

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
13” x 9” baking pan
Pastry cutter or knife
Whisk
Spatula
Toothpick or cake tester

🥫 Storage

Storage – Keep the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If kept in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before serving.

Serve With

This delightful coffee cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. For a classic coffee pairing, serve it alongside a rich, dark roast that complements the deep chocolate flavors. Tea enthusiasts may prefer a robust Earl Grey, with its citrusy notes that harmonize with the orange zest in the cake.

💭 Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Chocolate Orange Coffee Cake turns out perfectly:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting, to achieve a uniform texture in the cake batter.
When zesting the orange, take care to avoid the bitter white pith beneath the colored skin for the best flavor.
For the cake to rise properly, be sure to use fresh baking powder and baking soda.
When layering the streusel and batter, it’s okay if the layers aren’t perfect—imperfections add to the homemade charm of the cake.
Allow the cake to cool sufficiently before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.

⁉️ FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can this cake be frozen?

Absolutely! This Chocolate Orange Coffee Cake freezes beautifully and can be enjoyed at a later date. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost, leave the cake at room temperature for several hours or until completely thawed before serving.

How can I tell if the cake is done without a toothpick?

If you don’t have a toothpick, you can use a thin knife or a cake tester. Insert it into the center of the cake; the cake is finished if it comes out clean with no wet batter. Another method is to lightly press the surface of the cake—if it springs back, it is likely done.

What can be used instead of sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These substitutes will help maintain the moisture and texture of the cake while imparting a slightly different flavor profile.

🍽 More Coffee Cake Recipes

Do you enjoy coffee cake? If so, give these recipes a try:

🧾Recipe Card

Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.