This chocolate orange cake is rich, moist, and full of classic flavor. While it’s called a dump cake because it starts with a simple box mix, it assembles into an impressive two-layer cake perfect for a special occasion.
The whole process, including cooling time, takes about two hours. The hands-on time is minimal, making it an achievable baking project for a weeknight treat or weekend dessert.
Why is Chocolate Orange Dump Cake a Must-Try?
Box mix base: Using a cake mix saves time and guarantees a moist, tender crumb every time.
Two kinds of chocolate: A rich chocolate ganache filling and a fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting create layers of flavor and texture.
Deep flavor: Instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate taste, while orange extract adds a bright, citrusy contrast.
Ingredients for Chocolate Orange Dump Cake
• Chocolate Cake Mix: Any standard ‘devil’s food’ or ‘dark chocolate’ cake mix works well here. Just follow the package directions for adding eggs, oil, and water.
• Orange Extract: This provides the most concentrated orange flavor. You can find it in the baking aisle near the vanilla.
• Instant Espresso Powder: This is key for a deeper chocolate flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use strong brewed coffee instead of the water called for on the cake mix box.
• Chocolate for Ganache: Use a good quality baking chocolate bar, either semisweet or dark (60-70% cacao), for the best melting and flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for the frosting, not Dutch-processed, for a classic rich chocolate taste.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Dump Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cakes
First, mix the cake batter. Combine the chocolate cake mix with espresso powder, then prepare it according to the box instructions. Stir in orange extract, divide the batter into two 8-inch pans, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Ganache and Frosting
While the cakes cool completely, make the ganache and frosting. For the ganache, pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. For the frosting, beat butter with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Layer Cake
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread the slightly cooled ganache over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and use a spatula to cover the top and sides with the chocolate frosting.
What to Serve with Chocolate Orange Dump Cake
This cake is rich on its own, but a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream can be a nice addition.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Orange Dump Cake
Ensure the cakes are completely cool before you start frosting. A warm cake will melt the frosting and ganache.
The instant espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
For neat slices, chill the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
If your ganache seems too thin, let it cool longer at room temperature or in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Orange Dump Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. The assembled cake does not freeze well.
Chocolate Orange Dump Cake Recipe FAQs
Why is this called a dump cake?
The name comes from using a cake mix, a common shortcut in traditional dump cakes where ingredients are ‘dumped’ into a pan. This version elevates that simple idea into an easy layer cake.
Can I make this in a 9×13 inch pan?
Yes, you can bake the batter in a single 9×13 inch pan. The baking time will be similar. You can then spread the ganache over the top, let it set, and then add the frosting.
My ganache is too thin. What did I do wrong?
Your ganache just needs time to cool and thicken. Let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s spreadable but not runny.
Chocolate Orange Dump Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz / 432g
- Water oil, and eggs, as called for on the cake mix box
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1 1/2 tsp orange extract
For the Ganache Filling
- 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate finely chopped, 113g
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 120ml
- 1/2 tsp orange extract
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 227g
- 3 cups powdered sugar 360g
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 45g
- 1/4 cup milk 60ml
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry cake mix and instant espresso powder. Add the water, oil, eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange extract. Mix according to package directions, scraping the bowl as needed, until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert them onto the rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, make the ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand for 5 minutes without stirring. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool and thicken.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add the milk and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- To assemble, place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the thickened ganache evenly over the top, right to the edge. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting. For a cleaner look, you can apply a thin 'crumb coat' of frosting, chill the cake for 20 minutes, then apply the final layer.
Notes
