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Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 47 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake combines rich dark chocolate and zesty orange flavors to create a moist, indulgent dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. With a luscious dark chocolate ganache topping and optional crunchy nuts, this British-inspired cake is sure to impress family and friends during the festive season.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Ganache

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes using an electric mixer.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
  5. Incorporate Liquid Flavors: Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  8. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack before removing it, to prevent it from breaking apart.
  10. Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it stand for 2 minutes, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
  11. Apply Ganache: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a more intense orange flavor, brush the cooled cake lightly with warm orange juice before spreading the ganache.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead; cover it and store at room temperature to let all the flavors meld beautifully.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/festive-chocolate-orange-christmas-cake-recipe-2/