Description
Chocolate Orange Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup orange juice
½ cup oil
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest
For the Filling:
1 cup orange marmalade
½ cup whipped cream
For the Ganache:
1 cup dark chocolate, melted
½ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two cake pans.
Whisk dry ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Mix batter: Combine eggs, oil, orange juice, vanilla, and zest. Stir into dry ingredients.
Bake cake: Divide batter into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.
Layer filling: Spread orange marmalade mixed with whipped cream between cake layers.
Ganache topping: Pour melted chocolate over the top.
Garnish & serve: Decorate with orange slices before serving.
#SweetAndCitrusy #ChocolateHeaven #CitrusPerfection #DessertLovers
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cake. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease two 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt until no lumps remain. In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 eggs, then add ½ cup oil, 1 cup orange juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp orange zest, combining thoroughly. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently until just combined—do not overmix. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is versatile for any occasion. For an elegant dessert, serve thin slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A drizzle of extra orange liqueur over the ganache can elevate it for adult gatherings. For a festive brunch, pair it with strong coffee or a pot of Earl Grey tea. Garnish with candied orange peel, fresh mint sprigs, or edible gold flakes alongside the suggested orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Prepare your pans and preheat the oven. Whisk all dry ingredients in one bowl. Whisk all wet ingredients, including zest, in another. Combine wet and dry gently. Bake two layers for 30-35 minutes and cool completely. Mix marmalade with whipped cream for the filling. Assemble cake with filling between layers. Top with a simple ganache made from melted chocolate and warm cream. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, the baked and cooled cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. Thaw before assembling. The fully assembled cake keeps well in the fridge for 1-2 days.
What can I use instead of orange marmalade? A good substitute is a homemade orange curd or a thick, strained orange jam. For a less sweet option, try lightly sweetened whipped cream with fresh orange segments.
My ganache is too runny/thick. How do I fix it? If too runny, add more finely chopped chocolate and stir until melted. If too thick, gently warm it with a small splash of warm cream until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Can I use a different type of flour? For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The results may be slightly denser but still delicious.
Why did my cake sink in the middle? This is often due to overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten, or opening the oven door too early in the baking process. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper rise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: Do not overmix the batter after adding wet to dry ingredients, as this leads to a tough, dense crumb. Ensure your baking soda is active and not expired. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying the filling and ganache, or they will melt and slide. When making ganache, pour the warm cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Orange Cake masterfully balances rich, deep cocoa with the bright, aromatic zest of orange, creating a truly sophisticated dessert. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can confidently create a stunning centerpiece that is sure to impress. The combination of moist layers, citrusy filling, and silky ganache makes every bite a celebration of flavor. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
