This rich and indulgent Chocolate Orange Cake combines the deep, comforting flavor of chocolate with the fresh, vibrant citrusy notes of orange. Topped with a decadent chocolate orange glaze and optional chocolate orange segment candies, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat, it’s sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cake harmoniously blends the richness of chocolate with the refreshing citrus of orange.
- Moist and Tender: Made with ground almonds, this cake is naturally gluten-free and delivers a wonderfully moist texture.
- Elegant Decoration: The chocolate orange glaze and optional candy segments elevate the cake for a sophisticated presentation.
- Simple to Make: Despite its fancy appearance, this cake is easy to prepare using a food processor, making it a stress-free treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 large orange or 2 small (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 cocoa powder (good quality)
For the Chocolate Orange Glaze:
- 6 ounces dark chocolate
- 1 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon Cointreau (optional)
For Decorating (Optional):
- Chocolate orange segment candies
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Oranges: Boil the oranges in a saucepan of cold water for 2 hours until soft. Let them cool, then cut and remove seeds.
- Make the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan. Blend the cooled oranges in a food processor. Add eggs, baking powder, baking soda, ground almonds, sugar, and cocoa powder, and process until smooth with orange flecks. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 1 hour, checking at 45 minutes and covering with foil if needed.
- Make the Glaze: Heat cream in a saucepan until nearly boiling, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth. Add Cointreau for extra flavor. Let the glaze thicken for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and place on a plate. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish with chocolate orange candies if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cake layers without glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding the glaze.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake ahead and store it. Add the glaze and decoration just before serving.
Can I make this cake without the Cointreau?
Yes, omit the Cointreau or substitute with orange juice or zest for a citrus-forward glaze.
Can I use a different flour?
You can substitute the ground almonds with gluten-free flour, but the texture may change slightly.
Can I use different chocolate for the glaze?
Yes, feel free to use any dark chocolate, but the richness of the glaze will vary depending on the cocoa content.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the glaze.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Test with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
What can I use instead of ground almonds?
You can try hazelnut flour or another nut flour, but it may alter the flavor.
Can I decorate with something else?
You can use fresh orange slices, chocolate curls, or whipped cream for a different decoration.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free due to the ground almonds.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze the cake layers (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw before glazing.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Orange Cake offers a delightful combination of rich chocolate and tangy orange flavors, complemented by a luxurious glaze. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a sweet indulgence, this cake will impress with both its taste and elegant presentation.
Print
Chocolate Orange Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chocolate Orange Cake is a rich and indulgent treat that combines the deep flavors of chocolate with the refreshing citrus notes of orange. With a decadent chocolate glaze and optional candy segments, this gluten-free cake is perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 large orange or 2 small (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 cocoa powder (good quality)
For the Chocolate Orange Glaze:
- 6 ounces dark chocolate
- 1 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon Cointreau (optional)
For Decorating (Optional):
- Chocolate orange segment candies
Instructions
-
Prepare the Oranges:
Place the oranges in a saucepan of cold water and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for 2 hours until soft. Once cooled, cut and remove the seeds. -
Make the Cake Batter:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan. Blend the cooled oranges in a food processor until smooth. Add eggs, baking powder, baking soda, ground almonds, sugar, and cocoa powder. Process until smooth with orange flecks. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. -
Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake for 1 hour, checking at 45 minutes and covering with foil if necessary to prevent overbaking. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean. -
Make the Glaze:
In a saucepan, heat the cream until nearly boiling. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and stir until smooth. Add Cointreau for an extra layer of flavor, then let the glaze thicken for 10 minutes. -
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with chocolate orange segment candies if desired.
Notes
- For a citrus-forward glaze, you can substitute Cointreau with orange juice or zest.
- If you don’t have ground almonds, you can use hazelnut flour or another nut flour, though it will change the flavor slightly.
- You can decorate with fresh orange slices, chocolate curls, or whipped cream for a different look.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/European
