Chocolate Orange Cake

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cake

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1. Heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and grease and line two 20 cm round cake tins.

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2. Sift the flour, cocoa and baking powder into a large bowl, add the sugar, butter, eggs, the zest of 2 oranges, the orange juice and the milk, and beat for 2 minutes, until smooth.

   Mark done Start 2 min timer

3. Divide the batter between the tins, level the tops, and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until springy and a skewer comes out clean.

   Mark done Start 25 min timer

4. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

5. Heat the cream in a small pan until steaming, just below boiling, pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl, and leave for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy, then stir in half of the orange zest.

   Mark done Start 2 min timer

6. Leave the ganache to thicken for 30 minutes, until it is spreadable.

   Mark done Start 30 min timer

7. Spread the marmalade over one sponge, spread a third of the ganache over it, and set the second sponge on top.

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8. Cover the top and sides with the remaining ganache and decorate with the rest of the orange zest.

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Tips for Making Chocolate Orange Cake

• Zest the oranges before juicing them. The zest carries the fragrant oils, and it is difficult to grate a squeezed orange.
• Do not boil the cream. Steaming is enough to melt the chocolate, and a boiling cream can split the ganache.
• Let the ganache thicken before spreading. Warm ganache runs off the cake, and one that has thickened to the consistency of soft butter can be swirled on.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• Double cream won't whip if you swap it, but for the cooking itself, full-fat crème fraîche or a lower-fat single cream works in its place.

What to Serve with Chocolate Orange Cake

• Whipped cream
• Fresh orange segments
• Black coffee

Storing & Reheating Chocolate Orange Cake

Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Freeze the unfilled sponges for up to 3 months.

Chocolate Orange Cake FAQ: Common Questions

Chocolate Orange Cake Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.