Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Chocolate Orange Cake. This recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, creating a cake that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The velvety chocolate sponge, tangy candied orange zest, and a smooth chocolate icing come together to form a masterpiece that’s perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients of Chocolate Orange Cake:

Cake:

• 75g/2¾oz cocoa powder
• 6 tbsp just-boiled water
• Zest of 2 medium oranges
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 225g/8oz unsalted butter, cubed and softened, plus extra for greasing
• 225g/8oz caster sugar
• 4 large free-range eggs
• 225g/8oz self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Candied Orange Zest:

• Zest of ½ orange
• 25g/1oz caster sugar

Chocolate Icing:

• 300ml/½ pint double cream
• 300g/10½oz dark chocolate (about 70% cocoa solids), broken into roughly 1cm/½in pieces
• 2–3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. Grease and line two 20cm/8in loose-based sandwich tins with baking paper.
2. In a bowl, mix 50g/1¾oz of cocoa powder with just-boiled water to create a smooth, thick paste. Stir in 2 tablespoons of orange juice.
3. In a food processor or freestanding mixer, combine butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, remaining cocoa powder, orange zest, and the cocoa paste. Pulse or beat until well combined, achieving a thick and creamy texture. Avoid over-blending to maintain a light cake.
4. Spoon the cake mixture evenly into the prepared tins and smooth the surface. Bake on the center oven shelf for about 25 minutes until the cakes have risen and just begun to shrink away from the sides of the tins.
5. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Remove the baking paper and let them cool completely.
6. For the candied orange zest, use a vegetable peeler to create long, wide strips from half an orange, avoiding the white pith. Cut the zest into thin matchsticks and place them in a saucepan with the sugar and 50ml/2fl oz water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the zest softens and the sugar syrup reduces and lightly coats the zest.
7. Line a small tray or plate with baking paper and use a fork to transfer the candied orange zest from the syrup onto the paper, keeping the strands separate. Allow them to set for at least 1 hour before using as a cake topping.
8. To make the chocolate icing, gently heat the cream in a non-stick saucepan until hot but not simmering, then pour it over the chocolate pieces. Stir once and let it stand for 5 minutes. Stir the melted chocolate into the cream just enough to combine – avoid over-stirring to prevent the mixture from becoming oily. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
9. Place one of the sponges on a wire rack over a large plate or tray to catch any excess icing. Spread a quarter of the chocolate icing generously over the surface and top it with the second sponge.
10. Mix a tablespoon of milk with another quarter of the chocolate icing in a small bowl until smooth. Use a palette knife to thinly spread the entire cake with the thinned chocolate icing, filling in the areas where the two cakes meet. Place it in the fridge for about 40 minutes to set. This layer will help the remaining icing cover the cake more smoothly.
11. Once the first icing layer has set, stir the remaining 2 tbsp milk into the remaining chocolate icing until smooth and shiny. Spread the icing over the top and sides of the cake as smoothly as possible using a palette knife. Allow it to set for 2–3 hours.
12. Carefully transfer the cake to a stand or plate and top it with the candied orange zest. You can also let it cool slightly and create a swirly, textured topping on the cake for added visual appeal.

This Chocolate Orange Cake is the perfect marriage of intense chocolate and zesty orange flavors. The velvety sponge, coupled with the tangy candied orange zest and luscious chocolate icing, creates a dessert that is as visually stunning as it is delectable. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a craving for a decadent treat, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the artistry of baking with this delightful recipe.