Baking Hear Me Out Cake

Name: Baking Hear Me Out Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Baking Hear Me Out Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the brightness of citrus, creating an unforgettable treat for any occasion.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-30T20:14:15.651Z

This cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience! Each bite is a journey through rich chocolate and zesty orange. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

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

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Baking Hear Me Out Cake is a celebration of flavor that merges rich chocolate with the refreshing zest of orange. This unique combination elevates the classic chocolate cake experience, making it not just a dessert, but a vibrant indulgence. The chocolate provides a deep, satisfying taste, while the orange zest adds a lively brightness that cuts through the richness, creating a perfect harmony on your palate.

The inclusion of cocoa powder in the cake gives it a decadent texture, while the fresh orange zest in the frosting brightens each bite. This delightful contrast keeps your taste buds engaged, making it ideal for gatherings or simply as a treat to enjoy after a long day. You won't just taste the chocolate; you'll experience a layered complexity that keeps you coming back for more.

A Cake for Every Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a sweet surprise to brighten someone's day, Hear Me Out Cake fits the bill. Its elegant flavor profile and appealing appearance make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests. The cake's moist texture and creamy frosting make it a delight to serve and savor, making any occasion feel special.

Additionally, this cake is versatile enough to adapt to your personal preferences. You can experiment with different citrus flavors, like lemon or lime, or even add a hint of spice with cinnamon or nutmeg. This adaptability ensures that every time you bake it, it can feel like a brand-new experience, tailored just for you and your loved ones.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Hear Me Out Cake comes out perfectly, remember to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help achieve precise measurements, especially for the flour and sugar. Additionally, ensure that your butter is at room temperature before mixing; this will help create a smooth and creamy frosting that spreads easily and evenly over the cake layers.

Don’t rush the cooling process! Allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial. If the cakes are still warm, the frosting could melt, leading to a messy finish. Use a wire rack to cool the cakes evenly, promoting a better structure and taste. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to baking a show-stopping cake that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

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

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin).

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined.

Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy. Stir in orange zest.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to firm up slightly.

Storing and Serving

To store your Hear Me Out Cake, keep it covered at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting before slicing.

If you're serving this cake at a gathering, consider garnishing it with additional orange slices or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also hints at the delicious flavors within, enticing your guests even before they take a bite.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to switch up the flavors, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a more indulgent experience. This extra chocolate will create pockets of gooey goodness that complement the cake's moistness. Alternatively, try incorporating a layer of orange curd between the cake layers for a zesty surprise with each slice.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. This will give the cake a nutty flavor and slightly denser texture. Additionally, for a healthier frosting, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with cocoa powder and a sweetener of your choice, creating a deliciously creamy yet lower-calorie topping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting or use a dark chocolate cocoa powder for a richer flavor.