Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake

Name: Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Dark chocolate shavings; Orange slices

Highlighted under: Sweet Treat Creations

When I first decided to make a cake for Galentine's Day, I knew I wanted something richly indulgent yet elegant. This Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake features deep cocoa flavor balanced with a subtle hint of orange zest. I was amazed at how the combination of dark chocolate and citrus brought out the cake's depth. The creamy frosting complements the texture perfectly, making each slice a delight to enjoy with friends over a glass of wine. It’s a celebration in every bite, perfect for sharing with those I love!

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:06:27.778Z

When I decided to host a Galentine's celebration, I wanted a dessert that would impress my friends and celebrate our friendship. This dark chocolate cake turned out to be the perfect choice! The secret is in using high-quality dark chocolate combined with fresh orange zest, which really elevates the flavor profile. The first time I made it, my friends couldn't stop raving about the rich taste and delightful texture!

Through some trial and error, I learned that allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is crucial for smooth application. I also discovered that chilling the frosting can make it easier to work with, ensuring it spreads beautifully. This cake not only looks stunning, but it also tastes incredible, making it the star of our Galentine's Day soirée!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Importance of Cocoa Quality

When selecting cocoa powder for this Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake, choosing a high-quality, Dutch-processed cocoa will enhance the cake's rich flavor and dark hue. Look for products that specify 100% cocoa for a bolder taste. The quality of cocoa significantly affects the overall flavor profile, creating a deeper chocolate experience. If you can, opt for cocoa that is minimally processed to retain more of its natural flavor and aromas.

Additionally, if you’re seeking a more nuanced flavor, consider trying a blend of cocoa powders. Mixing natural cocoa with Dutch-processed cocoa can yield a unique taste that balances acidity and depth. This not only adds complexity to your cake but also brings out the citrus notes from the orange zest beautifully.

Frosting Techniques for the Perfect Finish

To achieve a creamy and fluffy frosting, it's crucial to beat the softened butter well before adding the powdered sugar and cocoa. Start on a low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere, then gradually increase speed until the mixture is glossy and pale. This incorporation of air will help create a light texture that complements the dense cake.

If your frosting is too thick, you can easily adjust it by adding a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it turns out too runny, simply incorporate a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens up. Achieving the right balance is key; you want frosting that holds its shape but is also spreadable without tearing the cake.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delectable cake:

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Zest of 1 orange

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Garnish

Dark chocolate shavings
Orange slices

Once you have all the ingredients ready, we can start the cake-making process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake:

Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Slowly stir in the boiling water and orange zest until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla, then beat until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake, and garnish with chocolate shavings and orange slices.

Now your stunning and delicious Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake is ready to impress!

Pro Tips

For an even more intense chocolate flavor, consider using bittersweet chocolate for the frosting. Also, let the cake sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before serving to enhance the flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Tips

This cake is ideal for prep-ahead strategies. You can bake the layers up to two days in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Store them at room temperature if you plan to frost within that time. If you're extending storage, place them in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.

Frosting can also be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature if using it within a day, or refrigerate for longer storage. Just remember to give it a quick whip to restore its fluffy texture before applying it to the cake.

Serving Suggestions

When ready to serve, pair each slice of cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the rich flavors of the chocolate. The lightness of whipped cream adds a delightful balance, while ice cream provides a nice temperature contrast.

For a fun twist, consider serving the cake with a side of orange coulis. Blend fresh oranges with a bit of sugar and a splash of lemon juice for a bright sauce that enhances the citrus notes in the cake. This will elevate your dessert presentation and provide a refreshing complement.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator once frosted.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer as a substitute.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.