Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly captures the zesty brightness of fresh oranges paired with the deep, comforting richness of chocolate, this Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Each slice bursts with the natural sweetness and subtle tang of slow-cooked oranges combined with moist almond-infused cake, finished off with a silky chocolate glaze that feels like a hug wrapped in flavor. This cake is a delightful celebration of contrasts and harmony, guaranteed to bring smiles to any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe right starts with a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from lending moisture to adding texture or enhancing that delicious chocolate-orange harmony.

• Large orange (or two small): Provides natural sweetness and bright citrus flavor when slow-cooked to softness.
• Eggs: The glue that binds the ingredients together, giving structure and richness.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a tender, airy perfection.
• Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create just the right crumb.
• Ground almonds or almond flour: Adds a moist texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements citrus beautifully.
• Caster sugar: Balances the tartness with sweetness without overpowering.
• Cocoa powder (good quality): Infuses deep chocolate flavor, making the cake irresistibly rich.
• Dark chocolate: The star of the glaze, melting into a silky, decadent finish.
• Cream: Creates a smooth, luscious chocolate glaze that coats the cake perfectly.
• Cointreau (optional): Adds a boozy orange kick to the glaze, enhancing the flavor complexity.
• Chocolate orange segment candies: Fun and festive decoration that nods to the flavors inside.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Start by placing whole oranges in a saucepan of cold water, then bring it to a boil before simmering gently for two hours. This slow-cooking softens the peel and flesh, mellowing the bitterness and concentrating the natural sweetness. Once tender, drain and cool them so they’re ready to be pulsed into the batter.

Step 2: Remove Seeds

After the oranges have cooled, cut them carefully in half and remove any large seeds. This step ensures your cake batter stays smooth while preserving every bit of zesty orange flavor.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Baking Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan. This kind of pan is perfect for this cake because it allows you to easily remove the delicate finished product without damage.

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

Into a food processor, add the softened oranges, then pulse until pulpy. Next, incorporate the eggs, baking powder, baking soda, ground almonds, caster sugar, and cocoa powder. Process until everything combines into a velvety batter that still shows occasional flecks of orangey goodness — the texture is part of the charm!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your luscious batter into the springform pan and bake it for about one hour. Keep an eye on it from 45 minutes onwards; if the top starts to brown too much, tent with foil to prevent over-darkening. The cake is perfectly done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, revealing that wonderful balance of moistness and fluff.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

While the cake bakes or cools, chop up your dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl. Heat the cream gently until just shy of boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate, and then stir with care until it transforms into a silky, glossy glaze.

Step 7: Add Cointreau and Thicken

If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in a teaspoon of Cointreau now to give a subtle lively twist to your glaze. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, giving it time to thicken to the perfect consistency for draping over your cake.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, release it from the springform pan and place it on your favorite serving plate. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top, letting it luxuriously cascade down the sides.

Step 9: Decorate

Finally, top your beautifully glazed cake with chocolate orange segment candies. They add a festive hint of crunch and a visual pop, making this dessert both irresistible and picture-perfect.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Besides the chocolate orange candies, consider sprinkling a few finely chopped toasted almonds or an extra dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant matte finish. Fresh orange zest over the top adds a zingy scent that wakes up the senses just before the first bite.

Side Dishes

A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the cake. For a grown-up touch, a small glass of orange liqueur or a cup of strong black coffee really rounds out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into thin wedges for a tea party tray or serve generous slices on patterned plates adorned with edible flowers or segments of fresh orange. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with ribbon makes the perfect gift or party take-away.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe pieces refrigerated in an airtight container. This preserves the moist texture and maintains the glaze’s shine. It remains delicious for up to 3 days, making it ideal for enjoying without any rush.

Freezing

This cake freezes very well. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow the glaze to come to room temperature for best flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, gently heat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or briefly in a low oven. Avoid overheating so the glaze stays luscious, not melted away.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

You can substitute with regular flour, but almond flour adds a unique moistness and subtle nuttiness that enhances the chocolate and orange flavors wonderfully. If using regular flour, consider adding a tablespoon of ground almonds for texture.

Is it necessary to simmer the oranges for two hours?

Yes, simmering softens the peel and flesh, mellowing bitterness and concentrating sweetness. This step is key to achieving the signature moist, flavorful texture of the cake.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free chocolate and substitute the cream with coconut cream or other plant-based alternatives to create a rich glaze that’s just as indulgent.

What kind of chocolate works best for the glaze?

Go for good quality dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa content. It provides a perfect balance of richness and slight bitterness that pairs beautifully with the orange.

Can I skip the Cointreau in the glaze?

Yes, the Cointreau is optional. It adds a lovely orange boozy note, but the glaze is delicious without it as well, especially if serving to children or those avoiding alcohol.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts where simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Its moist crumb, bright citrus bursts, and indulgent chocolate glaze make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it at home — it’s the kind of cake that turns any moment into a celebration.

Print