Chocolate orange cake

Here’s a decadent Chocolate Orange Cake recipe that combines the richness of chocolate with the zesty brightness of oranges!

Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Orange Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra gloss)

Instructions:

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

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare wet ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in the milk, orange juice, and orange zest, and stir until well combined.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until smooth. Add the boiling water slowly and mix until the batter is well incorporated (it will be thin, but that’s okay).

5. Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Ganache:

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer (do not boil).

2. Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If desired, add the orange zest and butter for added flavor and shine.

3. Cool ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to a spreadable consistency before using.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a cake stand or plate.
2. Spread a layer of ganache over the top of the first cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Optional: Garnish with orange slices or chocolate shavings for decoration.

This rich chocolate-orange cake is perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat! Enjoy!