Chocolate Orange Decadent Cake

by Feli Chic'Cuisine

Chocolate Orange Cake - A delectable Chocolate Orange Cake layered and covered in a dark chocolate orange flavoured ganache. — Photo @Feli Chic'Cuisine

Indulge in the luxurious blend of chocolate and orange with this elegant and versatile cake. With a rich cocoa sponge, it's filled and covered with a dark chocolate ganache, sweetened with honey and infused with a delightful orange flavor. Enjoy this Chocolate Orange Decadent Cake, where dark chocolate and citrus blend perfectly.

This classic chocolate and orange cake is intense in chocolate richness, complemented by fresh orange zest and juice.

A touch of orange extract can be added for extra flavor, but the natural zest and juice provide a delicate, aromatic profile. The orange flavor is refreshing without overpowering the chocolate.

Prep. Time: 30 min

Bake Time: 25 min

Cool Time: 10 min

Total Time: 1 h 05 min

Serves: 10

Ingredients

4 large eggs, free range
150g sugar
190g plain flour
25g cocoa powder, good quality
1 rounded teaspoon baking powder
100 ml sunflower oil
grated zest from 2 oranges, organic
juice from 1 orange

For the Chocolate Ganache

240g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
240 ml double (heavy/whipping) cream
120g butter, cut into cubs
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon orange extract

To Decorate

orange candied peel
chocolate curls

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fun (350°F /4 gas mark). Grease and line the base of a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake pan. In a large bowl, sieve together the flour, cocoa and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, over a pan of simmering water, place the eggs and sugar. Using an electric mixer, whisk the eggs until creamy and thick. Gently, fold in the flour mixture. Gradually add the oil, then the orange zest and juice and gently fold in.

3. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly pressed in the middle. Allow the cake cool in the pan for 10 min. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

4. Put the chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Bring the cream to the boil, then pour over the chocolate, and allow to sit for 1/2 minute. Stir until cream and chocolate are incorporated and it's silky smooth. Add the butter, and continue to stir until the butter is well incorporated, then stir in honey and orange extract. Set aside until firm enough to spread over the cake.

Assemble the Cake

5. Using a wire cutter or serrated knife, cut the cake into two even layers. Transfer one layer of cake to a serving plate and spread it with half the ganache. Put the other sponge on top and cover the cake with the remainder of the ganache. Decorate the top with the chocolate curls and orange candied peel.