Indulge your taste buds with the exquisite flavor combination of chocolate and orange in this heavenly Light Chocolate Orange Cake recipe. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual gathering, or simply a craving for something sweet, this cake is sure to delight your senses and impress your guests. In this article, we’ll explore how to create this delectable dessert step by step, from gathering the ingredients to adding the final decorative touches.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients to make this delightful Light Chocolate Orange Cake:
Sponge:
- 350 g Butter or baking spread
- 350 g Caster sugar
- 6 Eggs (large)
- 2 tsp Orange extract
- 1 tbsp Milk
- 300 g Self-raising flour
- 50 g Cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
Buttercream:
- 250 g Butter or baking spread
- 450 g Icing sugar
- 50 g Cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp Milk
- 2 tsp Orange extract
For Decoration:
- 1 Terry’s Chocolate Orange
- Orange sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the baking process step by step:
1. Preparing the Cake Tins:
- Pre-heat your oven to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
- Grease and line two 8″ cake tins to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Making the Sponge:
- In a large bowl, mix the butter and caster sugar until fluffy using a spoon or an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs, orange extract, and milk, and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, whisking until no flour traces remain.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins for uniform layers.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely in the tins or on cooling racks.
3. Preparing the Buttercream:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and icing sugar until well mixed.
- Once the mixture starts to come together, add the orange extract and milk, and continue mixing until smooth and creamy.
- For best results, use an electric hand whisk or mix by hand with a spoon.
4. Assembling the Cake:
- If the cakes have domed on top, level them using a cake leveller or a serrated knife.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Pipe or spread a generous layer of chocolate orange buttercream on top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the buttercream.
- Use the remaining buttercream to frost the top of the cake evenly.
5. Decorating the Cake:
- Add decorative elements such as Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces and orange sprinkles to enhance the presentation and flavor.
- Get creative with your decorations to make the cake visually appealing.
6. Serving and Storage:
- Slice and serve the Light Chocolate Orange Cake to enjoy its heavenly flavor.
- Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for 2-3 days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Light Chocolate Orange Cake recipe offers a perfect blend of rich chocolate and tangy orange flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees delicious results. So why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this decadent cake today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use margarine instead of butter for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in both the sponge and buttercream with similar results.
- I don’t have orange extract. Can I use fresh orange zest instead?
- Absolutely! Fresh orange zest can be used as a substitute for orange extract to infuse the cake with citrus flavor.
- How can I make this cake gluten-free?
- You can replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make a gluten-free version of this cake.
- Is it necessary to use a cake leveller to level the cake layers?
- While a cake leveller ensures even layers, you can also use a serrated knife to carefully level the cake layers if you don’t have a cake leveller.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake (without decorations) for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
