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Chocolate Orange Cake

A moist and flavorful chocolate cake infused with fresh orange juice and zest, balanced with cocoa and a hint of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120ml) fresh squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
  • 1 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 3/4 cups (340g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 large oranges
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) hot brewed coffee or hot water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Prepare three 6-inch or two 8-inch cake pans by spraying the sides with baking spray and placing a parchment paper circle in the bottom of each.
  2. In a small jar or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the fresh squeezed orange juice with the whole milk and set aside to curdle slightly.
  3. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, mix together the sugar and orange zest until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.
  5. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla, and orange-milk mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  6. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the hot coffee or hot water, then increase speed to medium and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. The batter will be thin.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 32-36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Notes

The orange juice and zest add a bright citrus flavor that complements the rich chocolate. The hot coffee enhances the chocolate depth without adding a coffee taste. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting for best results.

Nutrition

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