There is something truly magical about the union of rich chocolate and zesty citrus, which is exactly what makes this Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe an absolute standout. Imagine a moist, deeply flavorful cake infused with the intense brightness of whole slow-cooked oranges, wrapped up in luscious dark chocolate glaze — it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight anyone lucky enough to take a bite. This cake feels both indulgent and refreshingly vibrant, perfect for a special occasion or whenever you want to surprise your friends and family with a dessert that feels uniquely heartfelt.

Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to nailing this Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role — from the naturally sweet and slightly bitter slow-cooked oranges to the rich cocoa powder that lends depth and a velvety texture to the cake. These are ingredients that come together effortlessly but deliver a striking balance of flavor and color.

Oranges (1 large or 2 small, about 375g): Slow-cooked whole to soften, they provide juicy brightness and natural moisture.
Eggs (6): Essential for structure and richness, binding everything into a tender crumb.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise lightly without overpowering.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Enhances texture while balancing acidity from the oranges.
Ground almonds or almond flour (2 cups): Adds a delicate nuttiness and moist texture, keeping the cake gluten-free.
Caster sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter perfectly without dulling the citrus punch.
Cocoa powder (½ cup, good quality): Brings deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color to the cake.
Dark chocolate (6 ounces): Used for the decadent glaze, making each bite irresistibly smooth and rich.
Cream (1 cup): Creates a silky, glossy chocolate glaze that coats the cake beautifully.
Cointreau (1 teaspoon, optional): A splash of orange-flavored liqueur to heighten the citrus-chocolate harmony.
Chocolate orange segment candies: Decorative and delicious little treats to top your masterpiece.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Start by simmering the whole oranges in cold water brought to a boil, then lowering the heat to gently cook them for two hours. This slow cooking softens the peel and flesh, mellowing out bitterness while intensifying the orange flavor. Once cooled, halve the oranges and carefully remove any large seeds—you want that bright, pulpy texture to shine through in the cake batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan, so the cake doesn’t stick. Toss the cooled oranges into a food processor and pulse until they become a pulpy base. Next, add the eggs, baking powder, baking soda, ground almonds, sugar, and cocoa powder. Pulse again until the batter looks smooth but still flaunts little flecks of orange for that gorgeous texture. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pop the batter into the oven and bake for about an hour. Keep an eye around the 45-minute mark — if the cake begins browning too quickly on top, tent it with foil to protect the surface. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean, leaving you with a moist but firm cake that holds the delicate balance of chocolate and orange beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

While the cake is baking, chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl. Warm the cream in a saucepan until it’s almost boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about five minutes to melt the chocolate gently, then stir until smooth and glossy. If you like a boozy twist, stir in the optional Cointreau now, and let the glaze thicken for about ten minutes before glazing your cake.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

When the cake has fully cooled in its pan, release the sides and transfer it to a serving plate. Pour the chocolate glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade naturally down the sides. For an extra touch of whimsy and flavor, decorate it with chocolate orange segment candies — they make it feel festive and invite guests to dig in right away.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder for a refined finish that complements the chocolate’s richness. Thin slices of fresh orange or candied peel can also add brightness and a little crunch, enhancing both looks and flavor.

Side Dishes

Offer a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside to cool down the intense flavors and add extra indulgence. For a grown-up touch, serve with a small glass of orange liqueur or even a bold espresso to balance sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake on a rustic wooden board or elegant cake stand to make it feel special. Slice into generous wedges to showcase the flecks of orange within, and for celebrations, top each slice with a few chocolate curls or edible gold leaf to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature when covered with foil or stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within three days to maintain its fresh, moist texture and the brilliance of the glaze.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers longer, freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When properly stored, it can last up to two months without losing flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or at a low oven temperature wrapped in foil to warm through without drying out. This will bring back the slightly gooey charm of the chocolate glaze, making each forkful just as delightful as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour, but the texture will change. Almond flour adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor that helps keep the cake tender and gluten-free, so expect a slightly different crumb if you switch.

What if I don’t have Cointreau? Will the cake still taste good?

Absolutely! The Cointreau is an optional ingredient that intensifies the orange notes in the glaze. If you don’t have it, replace it with a splash of orange juice or simply leave it out — the cake remains delicious either way.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake after about 45 minutes. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Avoid opening the oven too often to keep the heat steady and the cake rising evenly.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative for the glaze like coconut cream, and check that your dark chocolate is dairy-free. The rest of the cake ingredients are naturally dairy-free already.

Why do we simmer the whole oranges for two hours?

Simmering softens the peel and flesh, removing bitterness while intensifying the orange flavor and sweetness. This step creates the unique pulpy texture and depth that sets this Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe apart from others.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feel like a warm hug but still dazzle your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend treat or a celebration, you’ll love how its vibrant citrus and rich chocolate come together effortlessly. Seriously, once you try it, this cake will become a favorite you’ll want to bake again and again — so go on, give it a whirl and watch friends and family fall in love with every slice!

Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This decadent Chocolate Orange Cake combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate and fresh oranges for a moist, flavorful dessert. The whole oranges are simmered until tender, then blended into the batter along with almond flour and cocoa powder. Finished with a luscious dark chocolate glaze infused with Cointreau and decorated with chocolate orange candies, this cake is perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

1 large orange or 2 small oranges (about 375g)
6 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 cups ground almonds or almond flour
1 cup caster sugar
½ cup good quality cocoa powder

For the Glaze

6 ounces dark chocolate
1 cup cream
1 teaspoon Cointreau (optional)

For Decoration

Chocolate orange segment candies

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Instructions

Prepare the Oranges: Place the oranges in a saucepan with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours until the oranges are soft. Drain and let them cool completely.
Remove Seeds: Once cooled, cut the oranges in half and carefully remove any large seeds to avoid bitterness in the cake batter.
Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Make the Cake Batter: In a food processor, pulse the softened oranges until pulpy. Add the eggs, baking powder, baking soda, ground almonds, caster sugar, and cocoa powder. Process until the mixture is smooth but still has small flecks of orange for texture.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. Check the cake at 45 minutes, and if the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: Chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan until just below boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes to melt, then stir until smooth.
Add Liqueur and Thicken: Stir in the Cointreau if using, then allow the glaze to rest for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled in the pan, carefully remove the springform ring, and place the cake on a serving plate.
Glaze and Decorate: Pour the chocolate glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Decorate with chocolate orange segment candies for a festive finishing touch.

Notes

Simmering the oranges whole helps soften the peel and reduces bitterness, adding a unique citrus depth.
If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, leave some zest in the pulsed orange mixture.
The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Cointreau from the glaze.
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a light dessert wine.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European