Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Almond Cake with Chocolate Orange Buttercream is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cake itself is moist, rich, and slightly nutty from the almond flour, which provides a lighter, gluten-free alternative to traditional cake flour. The chocolate orange buttercream is creamy, smooth, and bursting with citrusy brightness, making every bite an exciting experience. The combination of these elements creates a cake that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for making any occasion extra special.

Ingredients

For the cake:

2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener)
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)

For the chocolate orange buttercream:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, applesauce (or oil), vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For the chocolate orange buttercream:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with cocoa powder until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the orange zest, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange juice, then beat on high for 2-3 minutes until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and smooth.
Taste and adjust the orange flavor by adding more zest or juice if desired.

Assembling the cake:

Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of the chocolate orange buttercream over the top of the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining buttercream over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
Optionally, garnish the cake with additional orange zest, chocolate shavings, or sliced almonds for a decorative touch.
Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the buttercream before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour (including buttercream setting)
Total Time: 2-2.5 hours

Variations

Gluten-Free: The almond flour in this recipe makes it naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free if needed.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter in the cake and frosting with plant-based butter and use dairy-free milk.
Orange Flavor Intensifier: If you love a more pronounced orange flavor, try adding a few drops of orange extract to both the cake batter and the buttercream.
Chocolate Ganache: For an extra indulgent finish, drizzle the cake with a rich chocolate ganache before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, wrap the individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is a key ingredient in this recipe, especially for the texture and flavor. Substituting all-purpose flour may result in a different texture and flavor. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.

Can I use a different sweetener for this cake?

Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol, if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make both the cake and the buttercream in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers, and assemble the cake when ready to serve.

How can I make the buttercream fluffier?

To make the buttercream even fluffier, beat it on high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the powdered sugar and liquids.

Can I use store-bought orange juice for the buttercream?

Yes, you can use store-bought orange juice, but freshly squeezed orange juice will provide a more vibrant and natural orange flavor.

How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the pans well and line them with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cakes once they’ve cooled.

Can I decorate the cake with something other than buttercream?

Yes, you can decorate the cake with whipped cream or a chocolate glaze for a different look and flavor.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?

Yes, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the cake batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

How do I prevent the buttercream from being too thick?

If your buttercream becomes too thick, add more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

How should I store this cake if I want to keep it fresh for a few days?

Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Almond Cake with Chocolate Orange Buttercream is a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers who want a twist of citrus. The rich almond cake paired with the velvety chocolate-orange buttercream creates a delightful balance of flavors that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether for a special occasion or just as a treat, this cake is sure to be a hit with friends and family. It’s elegant, flavorful, and an absolute showstopper!

Chocolate Almond Cake with Chocolate Orange Buttercream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients