choc orange cake

A chocolate orange cake is a delightful and flavorful dessert that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the bright, citrusy notes of orange. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious cake:

Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Orange Ganache:

• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your 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.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the milk, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing well.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but this is expected.
6. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Ganache:
   • Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the butter and orange zest, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
9. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache over the top.
   • Place the second cake layer on top of the first and spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
10. Decorate and Serve: Garnish with additional orange zest or chocolate shavings if desired. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Orange Flavor: For a stronger orange flavor, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of orange extract to the cake batter.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
• Serving: This cake pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your chocolate orange cake!