Chocolate Orange Cake

Chocolate Orange Cake

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Here’s a recipe for a Chocolate Orange Cake that’s rich, moist, and infused with the bright, citrusy flavor of orange. This decadent cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)

For the Chocolate Orange Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tbsp orange liqueur (optional, e.g., Cointreau)

For Garnish:

  • Candied orange slices
  • Additional orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Mix in the orange juice and orange zest.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

3. Bake the Cake:

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Chocolate Orange Ganache:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
  2. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Stir in the orange zest and orange liqueur (if using). Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

5. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining ganache.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  1. Decorate the cake with candied orange slices and a sprinkle of orange zest.
  2. Slice and serve!

Tips for Success:

  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the orange liqueur and add an extra teaspoon of orange zest.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Enjoy this Chocolate Orange Cake—it’s a delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange!


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