Chocolate Orange Loaf is a luscious dessert that perfectly combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the bright zestiness of orange. This cake is ideal for any celebration, special occasion, or simply when you crave a unique and indulgent treat.
Why This Chocolate Orange Loaf Is the Best
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cake has a deep, rich chocolate flavor that is perfectly complemented by the citrusy notes of orange.
- Moist and Dense Texture: The cake is incredibly moist and dense, offering a satisfying texture with every bite.
- Glossy Chocolate Glaze: The smooth and glossy chocolate glaze adds an extra layer of richness and visual appeal.
- Beautiful Presentation: The combination of dark chocolate and orange is visually stunning and makes for a show-stopping dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, Chocolate Orange Loaf is the perfect choice. The combination of rich chocolate, zesty orange, and beautiful presentation makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes
For the Cake:
- Plain Flour and Baking Powder: Create the structure and provide the rise for a tender cake.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds rich, chocolatey flavor to balance the bright citrus notes.
- Orange Juice and Zest: Provide vibrant orange flavor and natural moisture to the cake.
- Caster Sugar: Sweetens the cake while maintaining a light texture.
- Canola Oil: Keeps the cake moist and ensures a smooth batter.
- Almond Milk: A dairy-free liquid base that keeps the cake light and fluffy.
- Vanilla and Orange Extracts: Enhance the overall flavor profile, making it more aromatic and indulgent.
For the Frosting:
- Vegan Butter: Provides creaminess and stability for the frosting.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor, complementing the orange notes.
- Icing Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Orange Extract: Amplifies the citrus aroma and pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Orange Loaf
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality Cocoa and fresh oranges.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Generously Frosting: Apply a generous amount of chocolate frosting to the top of the cake for added richness and visual appeal.
- Garnish Elegantly: Top the cake with orange slices or zest for a touch of elegance and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy a slice of Chocolate Orange Loaf with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a burst of flavor and color.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness and flavor.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into a slice of this Chocolate Orange Loaf—each bite offering a perfect blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange, all topped with a glossy chocolate glaze and fresh orange zest. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this cake is sure to bring joy to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and bake this delightful cake to impress your loved ones and create sweet, memorable moments together!
Be sure to check out these other delicious loaf recipes!
Chocolate Orange Loaf
Ingredients
Cake
- 240 gram plain flour
- 60 gram cocoa powder
- 185 gram caster sugar
- Pinch salt
- Juice of 2 oranges 140ml
- Zest of 1 orange 2.5 tablespoon
- 125 ml rapeseed/canola oil
- 200 ml unsweetened almond milk
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon orange extract
Frosting
- 75 gram vegan butter
- 20 gram cocoa powder
- 125 gram icing sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon orange extract
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) and preparing a 9x5-inch loaf tin—grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
- Next, zest one orange and juice two—you’ll need about 2.5 tablespoons of zest and 140 ml of juice. Pour the juice and zest into a jug, then add the rapeseed oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Give it a good stir to blend all those bright, citrusy flavors.
- Now, gently pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep your cake nice and tender.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin, smoothing out the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Around the 30-minute mark, check on your cake and keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While your cake is baking, make the icing! Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl until it’s light and fluffy. Give it a quick taste—if you’d like more orange flavor, add a little extra orange extract.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spoon the icing generously over the top. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra orange zest and grated dark chocolate on top.
- Slice it up and enjoy!