This chocolate orange reindeer cake is the perfect festive centerpiece that’s both fun and flavorful. Designed to impress with its adorable reindeer toppers and rich chocolate-orange flavor, this cake delivers a moist, fudgy crumb with a bright citrus zing from fresh orange zest and juice. Topped with silky chocolate orange buttercream and charming edible decorations, it’s a holiday showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make—no fancy baking skills required.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun – Perfect for Christmas parties or dessert tables
- Moist and rich sponge – Made with oil and cocoa for a soft, fudgy texture
- Bright citrus twist – Fresh orange zest and juice balance the richness
- Simple reindeer decorations – Easy enough for kids to help with
- Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh for days and travels well
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 300g caster sugar (white or golden)
- 250g self-raising flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 200ml vegetable or sunflower oil
- 100ml whole milk
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- Zest and juice of 1 large orange
For the buttercream:
- 100g Dairy Milk Chocolate Orange, finely chopped
- 100g salted butter (softened)
- 180g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp boiling water
For the reindeer decorations:
- 7 Chocolate Orange buttons
- 7 red Smarties
- 14 edible eyes
- 7 pretzels (broken into antler shapes)
Instructions
1. Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 160°C fan / 180°C conventional. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and cocoa powder.
- Add oil, milk, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
- Add orange zest and juice, then stir gently until fully incorporated.
- Pour batter into the tin and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Let cool in tin for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Buttercream
- Melt the chopped chocolate orange in the microwave (60 seconds). Stir and let cool slightly.
- Beat butter until fluffy. Sift in icing sugar and beat until smooth.
- Fold in melted chocolate.
- Add cocoa powder and boiling water, stirring until creamy and glossy.
3. Decorate the Cake
- Spread buttercream over the top of the cooled cake using a palette knife.
- Arrange 7 chocolate buttons in a circle—these are the reindeer noses.
- Stick a red Smartie onto each with a dot of buttercream.
- Add eyes above each nose.
- Break pretzels into antlers and press gently into place above the eyes.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per slice)
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 5g
Tips & Variations
- Use golden caster sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
- Don’t open the oven early—the cake could sink.
- Double the recipe for a layer cake with buttercream filling.
- Try the boiling water buttercream trick—it gives a silkier texture.
- Want it extra chocolatey? Add chocolate chips to the batter!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the sponge?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Add buttercream and decorations after thawing.
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising?
Yes—add 3 tsp baking powder to your plain flour.
What’s a substitute for Chocolate Orange?
Use any milk chocolate and add extra orange zest for flavor.
Chocolate Orange Reindeer Cake
Equipment
- – Mixing bowls
- 9-inch round cake tin
- – Microwave-safe bowl
- – Hand or stand mixer
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 300 g caster sugar
- 250 g self-raising flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 200 ml vegetable oil
- 100 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- For the Buttercream:
- 100 g Chocolate Orange melted
- 100 g butter
- 180 g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp boiling water
- Decorations:
- 7 Chocolate Orange buttons
- 7 red Smarties
- 14 edible eyes
- 7 pretzels
Instructions
- Cake: Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and orange zest/juice. Pour into greased 9-inch tin and bake at 160°C for 45–50 mins.
- Cool: Let the cake cool before decorating.
- Buttercream: Beat butter and icing sugar. Add cooled melted chocolate, cocoa, and boiling water. Mix until smooth.
- Decorate: Spread buttercream on top. Add chocolate buttons as noses, Smarties, eyes, and pretzels as antlers.
Notes
Conclusion
This chocolate orange reindeer cake brings together rich chocolate, zesty orange, and charming decorations for the ultimate festive treat. Whether you’re baking for Christmas dinner, a holiday bake sale, or just a fun weekend project, this cake delivers deliciousness and cheer in every slice.