This Orange Cake with Chocolate Spread is an irresistible treat that combines the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh oranges with the rich, creamy goodness of chocolate spread. The cake itself is light and fluffy, made with freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, giving it a vibrant flavor and moist texture. Topped with a generous layer of chocolate spread while still warm, this cake becomes a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a nostalgic recipe that’s sure to bring back memories of childhood, and it’s so good that everyone will be asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this cake for its unique combination of flavors—zesty orange and rich chocolate. The cake is soft and airy, with a subtle sweetness that’s perfectly complemented by the indulgent chocolate spread on top. Unlike traditional orange cakes that are often dusted with powdered sugar, this cake takes it up a notch with a creamy chocolate topping that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a special treat, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Perfect Occasion: This Orange Cake with Chocolate Spread is perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to holiday dinners. Its bright, refreshing flavor makes it a great choice for spring and summer events, but it’s equally comforting in the colder months. The ease of preparation and the nostalgic flavors make it a wonderful option for casual get-togethers, where it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This cake also makes a thoughtful homemade gift, wrapped up and shared with loved ones.
Decoration Tips: For a simple yet stunning presentation, spread the chocolate evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, glossy finish. You can garnish with a few orange zest strips or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Serve the cake directly from the pan or transfer it to a serving platter for a more polished look. If you’re feeling creative, you can drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the top for a beautiful contrast.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) oil
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or milk)
- 1/2 cup (70 g) cornstarch
- 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (10 g) baking powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Topping:
- Chocolate spread (such as Nutella or other)
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) on the fan setting. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat on high speed until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy, almost doubling in volume. This will take about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low-medium and gradually drizzle in the oil, mixing continuously. Add the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until everything is well combined. Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought juice will also work.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, folding gently with a spatula or mixing on the lowest speed of the mixer. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until the flour is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a 25x25 cm square metal baking pan or a medium rectangular disposable baking pan. There’s no need to grease the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes and test again.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: Once the cake is done baking and while it’s still hot, spread a generous layer of chocolate spread over the top. The heat from the cake will help melt the chocolate, making it easier to spread evenly. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving, but it’s best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is still soft and gooey.
Enjoy: Savor every bite of this delightful Orange Cake with Chocolate Spread—a perfect blend of citrusy freshness and creamy chocolate that’s impossible to resist!