Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cake

Terry's Chocolate Orange Cake: A Slice of Comfort and Indulgence

There are few things more comforting than the scent of chocolate cake baking in the oven. But when you add the bright, citrusy aroma of orange to that deep, velvety chocolate, something magical happens. My Terry's chocolate orange cake has become one of those recipes I turn to whenever I want to bake something special, the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic, luxurious, and just a little bit cheeky all at once.
It's a showstopper that never fails to impress, yet it's surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you're craving that classic chocolate-orange combination, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Choose Terry's Chocolate Orange Cake?

Do you remember the first time you cracked open a Terry's chocolate orange?
That satisfying whack on the counter, followed by the release of that unmistakable orange-chocolate scent - for me, that memory alone makes this cake feel extra special. There's something so nostalgic about it. The flavor is instantly recognizable, sweet but not too sweet, with a balance of rich chocolate and a hint of zesty brightness. It's indulgent, yet somehow refreshing.
I've always loved the pairing of chocolate and orange, and this recipe celebrates that harmony perfectly. The sponge is rich and moist, infused with orange essence and just a hint of coffee (to bring out the depth of the chocolate), while the buttercream is silky and luxurious, whipped with melted Terry's chocolate orange for that signature flavor. Every bite feels like a little celebration.

How Do You Get That Perfect Texture?

Have you ever baked a chocolate cake that came out too dry or dense?
It's something I've battled with in the past, and that's why this version is carefully balanced to stay moist, soft, and tender every time. The key is mixing just enough to bring everything together without overworking the batter. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a tougher crumb.
I also recommend baking the cake layers at a slightly lower temperature - 160°C (fan) - so they bake evenly without doming or drying out. Once cooled, each layer is soft enough to almost melt when you press it gently, yet sturdy enough to hold up beautifully under a thick coat of frosting.
If you've never baked a three-layer cake before, don't be intimidated. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. As long as you line your tins and give the cakes time to cool before assembling, you'll end up with a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a patisserie.

Why Use Terry's Chocolate Orange in the Frosting?

What's better than chocolate frosting? Chocolate frosting made with Terry's chocolate orange.
When I was developing this buttercream, I knew I didn't just want to add orange flavor - I wanted that unmistakable Terry's taste. Using melted pieces of the chocolate itself gives the frosting a creamy texture and a depth of flavor that orange extract alone can't replicate. It's sweet, velvety, and full of that familiar citrusy richness.
And if you're a real fan, I recommend saving a few extra chocolate orange segments to decorate the top. It adds a beautiful finishing touch and makes the cake instantly recognizable. Plus, it's a delicious excuse to sneak a few while you bake.

Can You Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Do you ever wish dessert prep could be a little less stressful?
I'm all for a recipe that can be made ahead, and this one is perfect for that. You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The buttercream can also be prepared ahead and kept in the fridge for up to three days - just bring it back to room temperature and whip it again before spreading.
If you want to get even more organized, the cake layers also freeze beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap each layer individually in cling film (plastic wrap) and pop them into the freezer. They'll keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, simply thaw the layers at room temperature, still wrapped, to prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
Once assembled, the cake keeps beautifully for several days in the fridge. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to meld. The frosting firms up slightly, and the sponge becomes even more tender and flavorful.
For special occasions, I sometimes decorate it the night before and let it chill overnight. That way, all I have to do the next day is slice and serve.

What If You Want to Customize It?

Would you make it a little extra chocolatey or give it a festive twist?
This cake is wonderfully adaptable. You can add a layer of orange marmalade between the cakes for a tangy surprise, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra drama. I've also swapped out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate on occasion when I wanted something a little sweeter.
If you're baking around the holidays, a sprinkle of gold dust or candied orange peel makes it sparkle on the table. And if you're serving a crowd that loves chocolate, doubling the buttercream recipe never hurts - more frosting is always a good thing in my book.

Tips for Frosting Like a Pro

Have you ever wondered how to get that smooth, bakery-style finish on your cakes?
The secret is patience - and a good spatula. I like to start with a thin crumb coat, which seals in any loose crumbs and gives you a clean surface to work with. After chilling the crumb coat for about 15 minutes, I spread on a second, thicker layer of frosting, smoothing it out with long, even strokes.
If you want to take it a step further, pipe swirls or rosettes along the top edge with a star nozzle. It adds a beautiful texture and makes room for those iconic chocolate orange wedges to sit perfectly on top.