Description
This Chocolate Orange Cake is a luxurious dessert that combines rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors for a truly indulgent treat. Gluten-free and moist thanks to ground almonds, this cake is topped with a decadent chocolate-orange glaze and optional chocolate orange segment candies, making it perfect for special occasions or a refined dessert to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 large orange or 2 small (about 375g)
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups ground almonds or almond flour
- 1 cup caster sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder (good quality)
For the Chocolate Orange Glaze:
- 6 ounces dark chocolate
- 1 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon Cointreau (optional)
For Decorating (Optional):
- Chocolate orange segment candies
Instructions
-
Prepare the Oranges:
- Place the oranges in a saucepan with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours until the oranges are soft. Drain and let them cool.
- Once cool, cut the oranges in half and remove any large seeds.
-
Make the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan.
- In a food processor, pulse the cooled oranges until pulpy. Add the eggs, baking powder, baking soda, ground almonds, sugar, and cocoa powder. Process until smooth, but still flecked with orange pieces.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour. Check at 45 minutes, covering with foil if it starts to brown too quickly. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
-
Make the Glaze:
- Chop the chocolate and place it in a bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan until almost boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add Cointreau if using, then allow the glaze to sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
-
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled in the pan, remove it and place it on a serving plate.
- Pour the chocolate glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Decorate with optional chocolate orange segment candies.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This cake can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Add the glaze and decoration just before serving.
- Glaze Options: You can substitute the Cointreau with orange juice or zest for a citrus-forward flavor, or omit it entirely.
- Flour Substitutes: Ground almonds make this cake gluten-free, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the glaze.
- Decorating Options: In place of chocolate orange segment candies, you can use fresh orange slices, chocolate curls, or whipped cream for a different presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, American
