There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and orange. The deep richness of cocoa paired with the bright zestiness of citrus creates a flavour that’s both indulgent and refreshing. If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet simple dessert, this orange-infused chocolate cake is the perfect choice.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just fancy a slice with your afternoon tea, this recipe delivers warmth, richness, and a beautiful burst of orange in every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
• 200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped
• 200g unsalted butter, cubed
• 200g caster sugar
• 100g plain flour
• 50g ground almonds (optional, for extra moistness)
• 4 large eggs
• Zest of 2 oranges
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: a splash of orange liqueur (e.g. Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
For the glaze (optional but recommended):
• 100g dark chocolate
• 50ml double cream
• A few strips of orange zest for decoration
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan 160°C) / 340°F. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.
3. Add the sugar, orange zest and juice, and stir well.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.
Optional chocolate-orange glaze:
While the cake cools, heat the cream in a small saucepan. Once it begins to simmer, remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Stir until glossy. Let it cool slightly, then pour over the cake and decorate with orange zest.
To serve:
This cake is rich but not too heavy, making it perfect on its own or with a dollop of crème fraîche. Serve slightly warm for an even more decadent experience.
This orange-infused chocolate cake is all about balance—bittersweet, zesty, and utterly satisfying. It’s a simple bake with sophisticated flavour, ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
