This Box Mix Orange Chocolate Cake combines tart orange with rich, smooth chocolate. Using a box mix is a simple way to speed up the baking process, which means you can be enjoying this in no time. Now thats a win! Plus, we made this with a gluten free chocolate cake mix, and it was just as good—no further modifications necessary. Amazing!

Box Mix Orange Chocolate Cake—Incredibly moist and super simple. Only 5 Ingredients.

Box Mix Orange Chocolate Cake—Incredibly moist and super simple. Only 5 Ingredients. #chocolatecake #boxcakemix #glutenfree

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I'm a total sucker for a baking pan with a lid. This 9x9 set of two from Wilton is perfect!

Kitchen Aid Hand Mixer. I've used this one for years, and I love it!

Parchment paper - I like these pre-cut cookie baking sheets because you can cut them in half for a perfect cake pan liner!

All Clad Measuring Cups - I know these are in investment, but they're sturdy, beautiful and you'll never have to buy another set again. I use them constantly!

This non-stick baking spray is by far my favorite way to bake with peace of mind. NOTHING ever sticks! This is not an affiliate link because the price on Amazon is ridiculous. So pick it up at Williams Sonoma.

How to modify a box mix chocolate cake

First preheat your oven to the temperature called for on the box, usually 350˚.
Grease and line with parchment paper a 9x13 pan or two 8 inch round pans.
Zest and juice 1 large orange.
Combine cake mix, oil, water, orange juice, and zest.
Beat on high (or whisk) for 2 minutes.
Pour cake in greased pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the cake is baking make the ganache.
In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup combine chocolate, heavy cream, orange juice and zest (use zest if you want the cake to have a stronger orange flavor).
Microwave for 30 seconds at a time and stir, continuing until smooth. Set aside.
Once the cake comes out of the oven allow to cool for 5 minutes and then flip onto a cooling rack.
After the cake has cooled (it can still be warm if you cannot wait, like me)pour ganache over the top and spread evenly. If making a layer cake, pour ⅓ of it in between the layers and reserve the rest for the top and sides.
Top with orange slices and dig in.

More Box Mix cake recipes

Can I make this Orange Chocolate Cake using any brand box mix?

We tested this out on a few different brands (and therefore different volumes)of cake mix and found it turned out great every time. The key is to swap out ¼ cup of water for orange juice, add in the zest and then use the other measurement they call for.
Gluten Free mixes yielded the same great results, so this can be made for those with allergies as well. We used Pamela's, and haven't tried others, but we suspect it will work great!

Love this box mix orange chocolate cake recipe? Try these other awesome cake recipes!

Orange blueberry coffee cake — **Orange Blueberry Coffee Cake**

Banana Coffee Cake - Gluten Free & Low Sugar | Deliciously simple and really quick to make. Great breakfast treat. #coffeecake #banana #breakfast — **Orange Blueberry Coffee Cake**

Box Mix Orange Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake box mix combined with bright oranges makes this a dessert that you won't soon forget.

Total Time: 35

Servings: slices

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Ingredients

For the Cake

1 15.25 ounce chocolate cake box mix* such as Betty Crocker
1 tablespoon orange zest about 1 orange
¼ cup orange juice fresh or carton
1 cup water
⅓ cup oil
3 eggs room temperature
orange slices optional decoration

For the Ganache

1 ½ cup chopped chocolate or chips
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest optional for a stronger orange flavor

Instructions

Make the cake

Preheat your oven to the temperature called for on the box, usually 350˚F.
Grease a 9x13 pan or grease and line with parchment paper two 8 inch round pans.
Zest and juice 1 large orange.
Combine cake mix, oil, water, eggs, orange juice, and zest (reserving 1 teaspoon for ganache if desired).
Beat on high (or whisk) for 2 minutes.
Pour cake in greased pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. While cake is baking, make the ganache.

Ganche

In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup combine chocolate, heavy cream, orange juice and zest (use zest if you want the cake to have a stronger orange flavor).
Microwave for 30 seconds at a time and stir, continuing until smooth. Set aside.
Once the cake comes out of the oven allow to cool for 5 minutes and then flip onto a cooling rack. Skip this step if using a 9x13 pan.
After the cake has cooled (it can still be warm if you cannot wait, like me) pour ganache over the top and spread evenly.
If making a layer cake, pour ⅓ of it in between the layers and reserve the rest for the top and sides.
Top with orange slices and dig in.

Notes

*Many box mixes are different in volume and therefore have slightly different measurements of water/oil/eggs to add. This can be made with any ounce cake mix you have. Simply replace ¼ cup of water with orange juice and make per their instructions.

Nutrition