Amazing Orange Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Glaze

It’s one of my favorite weeks of the year–Halloween Week! So you’ll find me in the kitchen mixing and baking and creating all things sweet, savory and spooky. And first up on the menu is this amazing orange bundt cake with chocolate ganache glaze. This easy-to-make cake is the perfect eerie dessert for Halloween. (And I’ve been known to eat this cake for breakfast too.)

Why you’ll love it:

There are lots of reasons to love orange bundt cake with chocolate ganache glaze. First off, it combines two of my favorite flavors for the perfect combination to delight your taste buds: orange and chocolate. This orange bundt cake is light, zesty, and refreshing. And the chocolate ganache is rich and decadent. So, basically, it’s the perfect dessert.

Plus, it’s easy to make. Bundt cakes in general are an easy cake to whip up. One pan, no layers, no fancy frosting. In this orange bundt cake, the flavor speaks for itself.

And to make this cake even easier to whip up on a weeknight, it starts with a box mix. I used Duncan Hines French vanilla, because Duncan Hines is my favorite and French vanilla was already in my pantry. But you can use whatever box mix is your favorite (just make sure it’s nut-free). You can also use an orange flavored mix or yellow cake mix.

But no one will ever know that this delicious orange bundt cake started with a box. A few special ingredients make this cake taste like scratch baking.

And don’t let ganache scare you. It’s actually super easy to make. And one you try it, you’re going to be whipping it for everything from ice-cream to cheesecake.

How to make Orange Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache:

You’re going to love how easy it is to make this orange bundt cake.

Bake the cake:

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Then, spray a bundt pan with baking spray. (Baking spray include flour. This is the one I use.)

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, ½ cup oil, ½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest, ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 4 eggs (I always add four eggs to a boxed cake mix to make it extra fluffy), and 1 3.4 oz. package instant vanilla pudding mix (if using). The pudding mix is optional, but it gives the cake a denser, richer flavor. I use it about half the time.

Then, if you want to make your cake really festive, add orange food coloring. This is definitely not required, but I added some so my orange bundt cake would look Halloween-y.

Beat on medium high for 4-5 minutes until batter is thick and creamy. Then, pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth out.

Bake the orange bundt cake at 350℉ for 45-50 minutes until cake begins to pull away from pan and top springs back when lightly touched.

Remove the cake from oven and allow to cool in pan 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the chocolate ganache glaze:

When the orange bundt cake is cool, it’s time to make the ganache. Place ¾ cup chocolate chips or chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heat proof bowl. I usually used Baker’s chocolate.

Place ⅞ cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan. Add black food coloring if desired. Again, this step is not necessary, bit it gives the ganache.a rich, black color, perfect for Halloween. Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to bubble. DO NOT BOIL.

Pour hot cream over chocolate. Allow the mixture to rest for 3-4 minutes to begin melting the chocolate.

Then, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and begin whisking glaze until shiny and smooth.

Pour chocolate ganache over orange bundt cake. If glaze is too runny, allow it to set longer before pouring onto cake.

Serve cake at room temperature.

Enjoy!

This orange bundt cake with chocolate ganache will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

It tatses delicious with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Bundt cake is perfect for a party because it is easy to get 16 (ore more) slices from one cake.

While I used orange and black food coloring to make this case look festive for Halloween, orange and chocolate is a classic flavor combination that tastes good all year, so feel free to forego the Halloween colors. I’d happily serve this cake for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or all summer long.

Let me know how you enjoy this orange bundt cake with chocolate ganahce.

Off we go!

P.S. If you love orange and chocolate as much as I do, check out these chocolate orange thumbprint cookies or these chocolate pumpkin cupcakes with orange marshmallow filling.