A warm hello to a timeless dessert
This Chocolate Orange Cake is rich, bright, and simple to bake. It pairs dark chocolate with fresh orange for a lovely balance. If you like easy cakes with big flavor, this one will become a favorite. For another citrus-chocolate twist, see this related recipe: Chocolate-orange cheesecake.
Why you’ll want to bake this today
The cake is moist and not too sweet. It uses pantry staples and comes together fast. The orange adds a fresh lift to the deep chocolate. If you enjoy baking dense chocolate treats, check this brownie-cheesecake idea for inspiration: brownie cheesecake recipe.
Step-by-step plan for Chocolate Orange Cake
Follow the ingredient list and directions below for an easy bake. Read through before you start so everything is ready.
What you’ll need (Ingredients)
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 200 g butter
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 150 g dark chocolate (for ganache)
- 100 ml cream
- 1 teaspoon butter (for ganache)
How to bake it (Directions)
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 20 cm cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Melt the 200 g dark chocolate and 200 g butter in a double boiler, then let it cool slightly.
- Beat the eggs and 200 g sugar with a mixer until creamy.
- Add the melted chocolate to the egg-sugar mixture and stir until even.
- Sift the 150 g flour, 50 g cocoa, and baking powder into the mixture and fold in gently.
- Add the orange zest and juice, folding gently with a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Once the cake has cooled, prepare the ganache: Heat the 100 ml cream (do not boil). Pour the cream over the 150 g chopped chocolate and stir. Add 1 teaspoon butter and stir until shiny.
The best ways to serve your Chocolate Orange Cake
Slice the cake and pour the ganache over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add a dusting of cocoa or some orange slices for color. For quick family favourites that pair well with cake, you might like this easy dump-cake idea: brownie dump cake.
How to keep it fresh
- Room temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Simple tips for a perfect cake
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Let the melted chocolate cool a little so it won’t scramble the eggs.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- If you want extra orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract.
For other creative fillings and treats, see this stuffed-cookie idea: cheesecake-stuffed cookies.
Easy variations to try
- Orange glaze: Mix orange juice with powdered sugar and drizzle over the cake.
- Add chopped candied orange or chopped nuts into the batter.
- Make cupcakes instead of a cake and reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition snapshot (approximate per slice)
A rough estimate per 12 slices:
- Calories: 350–420 kcal
- Fat: 25–30 g
- Carbs: 30–40 g
- Protein: 5–6 g
Values vary with ingredient brands and portion size.
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a kid-friendly treat.
- Add whipped cream and orange segments for a light finish.
- Cut into small squares for a dessert platter at gatherings.
What to pair with this cake
- Coffee or espresso to cut the richness.
- A glass of cold milk for kids.
- For adults, a dessert wine like Vin Santo or a citrusy liqueur works nicely.
Quick FAQs
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
A: You can, but the cake will be sweeter and less intense. Adjust sugar if needed.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: A toothpick in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I skip the ganache?
A: Yes. A dusting of powdered sugar or a simple orange glaze will also work.
Conclusion
If you want more variations and steps from other cooks, check this detailed version: Orange Chocolate Cake – Aubrey’s Kitchen. For another clear recipe with notes, try this page: Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe – Sugar & Sparrow. If you prefer a small-batch approach, this guide is helpful: Chocolate Orange Cake – Dessert for Two.
Chocolate Orange Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g dark chocolate for the cake
- 200 g butter for the cake
- 200 g granulated sugar for the cake
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 whole orange zest and juice
Ganache Ingredients
- 150 g dark chocolate for ganache
- 100 ml cream
- 1 teaspoon butter for ganache
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 20 cm cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Melt the 200 g dark chocolate and 200 g butter in a double boiler, then let it cool slightly.
- Beat the eggs and 200 g sugar with a mixer until creamy.
- Add the melted chocolate to the egg-sugar mixture and stir until even.
- Sift the 150 g flour, 50 g cocoa, and baking powder into the mixture and fold in gently.
- Add the orange zest and juice, folding gently with a spatula.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
Ganache Preparation
- Once the cake has cooled, prepare the ganache: Heat the 100 ml cream (do not boil).
- Pour the cream over the 150 g chopped chocolate and stir. Add 1 teaspoon butter and stir until shiny.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice the cake and pour the ganache over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Add a dusting of cocoa or some orange slices for color.
