A Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake is the ideal dessert for anyone who loves the richness of chocolate combined with the tangy freshness of orange zest. This recipe is simple to follow and results in a moist, flavorful cake perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it with afternoon tea or as a dessert after dinner.
Why Chocolate and Orange Are a Match Made in Heaven
The combination of chocolate and orange is a classic pairing that has been popularized by treats like Terry’s Chocolate Orange. The bitterness of dark chocolate cuts through the citrus sweetness of orange, resulting in a dessert that is both decadent and refreshing.
Adding oranges to your baking isn’t just about flavor—oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which offers immune-boosting benefits, while dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants. For more delicious orange-flavored dessert ideas, check out this Pumpkin Banana Loaf, which also incorporates a hint of citrus to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake
To make the best Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh oranges
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 100 grams dark chocolate (or Terry’s Chocolate Orange)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit
Baking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a moist and flavorful Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake:
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the orange zest and orange juice.
Combine and Bake:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Stir in the chopped dark chocolate or Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
If you’re looking for another citrus-inspired recipe, check out these Earl Grey Cookies for a refreshing tea-time treat.
Optional Chocolate Orange Glaze
For an extra layer of indulgence, you can add a chocolate orange glaze to finish off your loaf.
Glaze Ingredients:
- 100 grams of dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate and butter together over low heat or in the microwave.
- Stir in the orange extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a shiny, luxurious finish.
Decorating and Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas to make your Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake even more special:
- Top with segments of Terry’s Chocolate Orange for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or candied orange peel to enhance the citrus flavor.
- Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a rich, indulgent dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overmixing the batter: Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense and heavy.
- Using low-quality chocolate: The flavor of the chocolate will shine through, so use a high-quality brand.
- Skipping fresh orange zest: The zest is essential for that fresh citrus flavor, so don’t substitute with bottled orange juice.
FAQs
Can I Use Orange Extract Instead of Fresh Orange Juice?
Yes, but fresh orange juice and zest provide a more natural flavor. Orange extract can sometimes taste artificial if overused.
How Should I Store Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free or Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan margarine. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate and bright orange zest makes for a balanced and indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare. For more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to explore other recipes like this Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a sweet twist on loaf cakes.
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Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Perfect Blend of Flavors
- Total Time: 47 minute
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake is the ideal dessert for anyone who loves the richness of chocolate combined with the tangy freshness of orange zest. This recipe is simple to follow and results in a moist, flavorful cake perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it with afternoon tea or as a dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh oranges
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 100 grams dark chocolate (or Terry’s Chocolate Orange)
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
- Cream the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and orange juice.
- Combine: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Stir in the chopped dark chocolate or Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Prepare the chocolate orange glaze by melting dark chocolate and butter, stirring in orange extract, and drizzling over the cooled loaf.
Notes
This Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate and bright orange zest makes for a balanced and indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare. For more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to explore other recipes like this Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a sweet twist on loaf cakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake, Zesty Chocolate Cake, Moist Orange Cake, Chocolate Citrus Cake, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Easy Loaf Cake Recipe, Chocolate Orange Dessert