Orange and Chocolate Cake

by

A Citrusy, Chocolatey Dream Come True

Why This Cake is Special

🍊 Bright orange zest infuses every bite
🍫 Deep chocolate layers for perfect balance
🌿 Elegant yet easy – impressive with minimal effort
🎉 Perfect for any occasion from brunch to birthdays

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (75g) cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (240ml) fresh orange juice
Zest of 2 oranges
¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Orange Ganache

1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp orange liqueur (or 1 tbsp orange zest)
Pinch of sea salt

Optional Garnish

Candied orange slices
Chocolate shavings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine orange juice, zest, buttermilk, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
  4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined.

2. Bake the Layers

  1. Divide batter evenly between pans.
  2. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

3. Prepare the Ganache

  1. Heat cream until steaming (not boiling).
  2. Pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2 minutes.
  3. Add orange liqueur and salt; stir until smooth.
  4. Cool until thickened but still pourable (about 15 minutes).

4. Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with ¼ cup ganache.
  2. Top with second layer. Pour remaining ganache over the top, letting it drip down sides.
  3. Garnish with candied orange slices and chocolate shavings.

Pro Tips

🍊 Orange boost: Brush layers with orange syrup (¼ cup juice + 2 tbsp sugar)
❄️ Make ahead: Bake layers 1 day early; ganache keeps 3 days refrigerated
🌡 Ganache control: Too thick? Rewarm slightly. Too thin? Chill briefly

Serving Suggestions

☕ Pair with espresso or Earl Grey tea
🍷 Serve with a glass of dessert wine
🍽️ Elevate with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

“Like eating a chocolate orange, but better!” 🍫🍊

Storage: Keeps 3 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.

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