Zesty Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Recipe: Sweet Citrus Magic

Baking a delightful chocolate orange loaf cake can transport you to a world of rich, zesty flavors.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and excitement.

Citrusy notes dance alongside deep chocolate undertones, creating a magical sensory experience.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between tangy and decadent elements.

Soft crumbs melt delicately on your tongue, revealing layers of complex tastes.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something truly extraordinary.

This recipe offers a delectable journey you won’t want to miss.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that provides structure and texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and helps keep the cake soft.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.

• Orange Zest, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Bring a bright, citrusy flavor to the chocolate cake.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide extra chocolate bursts throughout the cake.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your loaf pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Toss flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a mixing bowl.

Whisk them together until they’re perfectly blended and lump-free.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix sugar and vegetable oil until they become best friends.

Crack eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each.

Add vanilla extract, bright orange zest, fresh orange juice, and buttermilk.

Stir until everything looks smooth and happy.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly introduce dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the batter!

Sprinkle chocolate chips and fold them in softly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Slice and serve this delightful chocolate orange treat!

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Baking Tips

• Use fresh, organic oranges for the most vibrant citrus flavor and maximum aroma.
• Toss chocolate chips in a bit of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Don't overmix the batter – stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the cake tender and soft.
• Let eggs and buttermilk sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even baking.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Twists

• Lemon Lovers' Cake: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy citrus variation that keeps the chocolate base intact.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Orange Delight: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, coconut oil in place of vegetable oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based friendly version.
• Nutty Chocolate Orange Cake: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a subtle nutty undertone that complements the chocolate and orange flavors.

Serving Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

• Citrus Zinger Topping: Sprinkle fresh orange zest over each slice for an extra burst of tangy brightness that complements the chocolate's rich flavor.
• Decadent Drizzle Delight: Create a quick chocolate-orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar, orange juice, and melted chocolate to pour elegantly over the cooled cake.
• Creamy Companion: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the cake's intense chocolate and citrus notes.
• Tea Time Twist: Pair this loaf cake with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a chilled orange-infused iced tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storing Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Slice cake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days if planning to consume quickly. Use a cake dome or plastic container with tight lid.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, buttermilk provides unique tanginess and helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

• How do I prevent chocolate chips from sinking?

Toss chocolate chips in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cake during baking.

• Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, but you can use store-bought 100% orange juice if needed. Just ensure it’s pure juice without added sugars.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Perks

• Savor Unique Flavor Combination: Chocolate and orange create a delightful, unexpected taste that tantalizes your taste buds with rich, zesty notes.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: The straightforward recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Perfect for Sharing: This moist, decadent loaf cake is ideal for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a comforting dessert that brings people together with its irresistible aroma and taste.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that suits multiple occasions and satisfies sweet cravings with its balanced chocolate and citrus profile.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate and zesty orange blend harmoniously in this irresistible chocolate orange loaf cake, creating a dessert that promises pure indulgence. Moist crumb and intense flavors make each slice a delightful journey through complementary taste sensations you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (354 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup (85 g) chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk sugar and vegetable oil until smooth and well-integrated. Incorporate eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform mixture.
4. Infuse the wet mixture with vibrant orange essence by adding vanilla extract, freshly grated orange zest, pure orange juice, and creamy buttermilk. Stir until completely blended.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula to combine until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Delicately introduce chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout for consistent flavor and texture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even distribution.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, rotating midway through cooking. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
10. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum orange flavor without the bitter white pith.
• Adding buttermilk creates a tender, soft crumb that stays deliciously moist for days.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
• Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 198
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 146 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg