This Dark Chocolate and Orange Cake is the perfect balance of sweet citrus flavor and rich dark chocolate, making it a moist and gourmet dessert. It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of zesty orange and intense chocolate creates a harmonious contrast that your taste buds will love.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 150g sugar
- 100g melted butter
- 150g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (around 7g)
- 2 oranges (zest and juice)
- 100g dark chocolate
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake tin to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes pale and frothy. This step is essential to incorporate air into the batter, making the cake light and fluffy.
- Add butter and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the melted butter. Then, sift in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing as this can make the cake dense.
- Incorporate the orange: Wash the oranges thoroughly, then zest them directly into the batter. Cut the oranges in half and squeeze the juice into the mixture as well. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, orange-infused batter.
- Melt the dark chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts (stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning). Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, divide the batter into two portions.
- Create the marbled effect: In one portion of the batter, mix the melted chocolate. Now you have two separate batters: one orange and one chocolate. Pour alternating spoonfuls of the orange and chocolate batters into the prepared cake tin, swirling them together with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Afterward, place it on a cooling rack to fully cool down before cutting into slices and serving. The marbled pattern and the combination of orange and chocolate flavors make this cake a real showstopper.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 45 minutes