Orange and chocolate are kind of a classic combination.
Apart, they're pretty good but together they're absolutely heavenly.
This orange chocolate cake is super moist and the fresh pop of orange really compliments the chocolate without being overwhelming.
Majority of the orange flavour is derived from fresh orange juice or orange zest.
Some orange extract may be added as well but the awesomeness is there even without it.
Prep time: 40 minutes.
Bake time: 45 minutes.
Ingredients for the cake.
1. 2 cups all purpose flour
2. 2 cups sugar
3 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4. 2 tsp baking powder
5. 2 large eggs
6. 1 tsp salt
7. 1 cup vegetable oil
8. 1 cup milk
9. 1 tsp orange zest
10. 1 tsp vanilla extract
11. 1 tsp orange extract
12. 1 cup fresh orange juice.
13. Strawberries and crushed white chocolate (optional)
A caramel glaze may be used on the cake to add to the rich flavor and give it an even tastier appearance.
Ingredients for the caramel glaze
1. 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
2. 3/4 cup light brown sugar
3. 1 tbsp light corn syrup
4. 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
5. Pinch of salt
Instruction for the cake.
1. Prepare a cake pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides. Preheat oven to 148°.
2. Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt to a large bowl and whisk together.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange extract and orange zest to the dry ingredients and mix well until properly combined.
4. Slowly add the orange juice and mix until well combined
5. Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with little to no crumbs
6. Remove cake from the oven and allow to cool.
Prepare the glaze while the cake cools.
7. Stir together the heavy cream, sugar and corn syrup in a sauce pan over medium heat.
8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
9. Stir with a wooden spoon until caramel has thickened and cooled slightly.
10. Remove the cake from the pan and using a serrated knife cut off the dome from the top to make it flat.
11. Spoon or pour the caramel on the cake as desired.
12. Add the strawberries and shredded white chocolate as a garnish.
Enjoy the cake while it's still warm with either a cup of milk or hot chocolate.
Alternatively you can just enjoy it on its own because it is such a delight and the caramel sauce blends so well with the flavours.
Happy holidays.
