Easy Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake (video)

Dessert doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated! This super easy and delicious chocolate orange sheet cake is made with orange marmalade and topped with a simple chocolate ganache! These little cake bars pack a ton of chocolate and orange flavor and they’re a great way to finish any meal!

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The Best Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake

My mom shared this recipe with me because it’s been such a great hit with everyone! The chocolate cake itself isn’t too sweet and the chocolate ganache on top adds a bit of richness to the cake. I love the combination of orange and chocolate – it’s a classic combo that never gets old! You get a bit of the bitterness and citrus-y flavor from the orange rind in the orange marmalade, which goes so well with this cake.

If you want to add even more orange flavor, try adding the zest of 1 or 2 oranges into the cake batter. It will add more fresh orange flavor! You can also add orange oil, which packs a really powerful punch of orange flavor. It can even be added to the chocolate ganache for extra flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cake Bars

These cake bars so easy to make and are sure to be a hit with everyone! Here’s how to make them:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and butter sides; set aside.
  2. Place the eggs, sugar and vanilla into a mixer bowl and whisk until eggs are light, fluffy and almost white in color. In a small cup, dissolve the instant coffee in 2 tablespoons of water, then add to the eggs. Add the marmalade and sour cream and use a spatula to gently fold in the ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients into the batter in small batches. Fold in the flour completely after each addition; fold gently to keep the eggs as light and fluffy as possible.
  4. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to the edges. Bake in preheated oven until top is completely set, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven onto wire rack to cool completely.
  5. To prepare the ganache: heat the heavy cream until hot. Stir in the chocolate chips until a smooth ganache forms. Set into the refrigerator to set. Once cooled, use a flat spatula to spread the ganache over the top of the cake. Cut the sheet into small squares and top with orange candies, if desired. Store covered.

Candied Oranges

For the topping this easy sheet cake, I purchased jelly orange slices, but candied orange will also work great for this recipe. Just slice a few oranges and prepare a sugar syrup: 1 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water. Bring the sugar syrup to a simmer in a large frying pan, then add the orange slices. Cook the slices for 3 to 5 minutes, until the meaty part of the fruit is translucent. Remove the slices onto a wire rack and allow to cool, then add to the cake!

More Recipes!

Enjoyed this sheet cake recipe? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• Orange Marmalade Cake – delicate orange cake with marmalade, orange buttercream and chocolate ganache!
• Chocolate Orange Cheesecake – rich chocolate cheesecake with orange zest, topped with orange whipped cream!
• Orange Upside-Down Cake – this two-layer upside down cake is made with orange slices and a simple whipped cream frosting!
• Orange Cranberry Holiday Cake – you’ll love the berry and citrus cake for the holiday season!

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Easy Chocolate Orange Sheet Cake (video)

20 mins prep + 30 mins cook

12 servings

Quick and easy, rich chocolate sheet cake recipe with orange marmalade and a chocolate ganache topping! These cake bars are so rich and delicious!

Ingredients 

US Customary - Metric

• 5 large eggs
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granuales
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

For Chocolate Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• candied orange slices, for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and butter sides; set aside.
• Place the eggs, sugar and vanilla into a mixer bowl and whisk until eggs are light, fluffy and almost white in color. In a small cup, dissolve the instant coffee in 2 tablespoons of water, then add to the eggs. Add the marmalade and sour cream and use a spatula to gently fold in the ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients into the batter in small batches. Fold in the flour completely after each addition; fold gently to keep the eggs as light and fluffy as possible.
• Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to the edges. Bake in preheated oven until top is completely set, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven onto wire rack to cool completely.
• To prepare the ganache: heat the heavy cream until hot. Stir in the chocolate chips until a smooth ganache forms. Set into the refrigerator to set. Once cooled, use a flat spatula to spread the ganache over the top of the cake. Cut the sheet into small squares and top with orange candies, if desired. Store covered.