Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

This Chocolate Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate with zesty orange flavors. Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and vibrant taste.

The recipe is straightforward and utilizes basic baking techniques. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, including a savory chicken recipe for a complete meal experience.

Decadent Chocolate Orange Cake

This cake features layers of chocolate sponge infused with fresh orange juice and zest, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 people.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (for ganache)
Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Add the orange zest and juice.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache on top, then place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
Garnish: Decorate with orange slices if desired. Slice and serve.