Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Chocolate Orange Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and no lumps remain.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: If desired, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
6. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for 15-20 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Add frosting or whipped cream if desired, then place the second layer on top.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a finishing touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible Chocolate Orange Cake effortlessly.