There is something truly magical about the union of rich chocolate and zesty orange during the holidays, and this Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s a moist, tender cake bursting with the vibrant notes of fresh orange zest and juice, intertwined with deep cocoa flavor and studded with melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or a festive party, this cake brings warmth, joy, and irresistible flavor to the table, making every bite a celebration of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor balance, and festive appearance of this cake. From the tangy brightness of fresh orange juice to the comforting richness of cocoa powder, these simple staples combine into something truly special.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and a soft crumb to the cake.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich, chocolaty depth without extra sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and keeps it light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to tenderize the crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cake a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that complements the chocolate and orange perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the citrus and cocoa notes.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Bursts of fragrant, intense orange flavor.
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice: Provides moisture and a fresh tang that brightens the cake.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of sweetness in every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm holiday spice twist.
- Powdered sugar or orange glaze (optional, for topping): For that final festive touch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Essentials
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper—this will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out neat and perfect. Setting up your baking space right at the start makes the whole process so much smoother.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Combining these dry ingredients now helps distribute the rising agents evenly, giving your cake a consistent texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the batter, helping your cake rise into a tender, airy delight. Patience here really pays off!
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and freshly grated orange zest. This blend of flavors is essential—it starts building that festive, citrusy aroma right away.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Mix in the fresh orange juice and sour cream, gently stirring until you have a smooth batter. These ingredients not only add moisture but the sour cream also lends a subtle tang that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Then, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add those delightful bursts of gooey chocolate throughout the cake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooldown step ensures your cake sets properly for slicing.
How to Serve Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar brings a snow-kissed effect that’s perfect for Christmas. For an extra zing, drizzle an easy homemade orange glaze over the top made from powdered sugar and a touch of fresh orange juice. These finishing touches add charm and a hint of extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cake is a standout on its own, but pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience. A fresh berry compote or roasted nuts on the side can also provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive flair, serve your cake slices on vintage holiday china with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of orange peel. Plating it alongside a warm cup of spiced mulled wine or rich hot chocolate makes for a cozy, decadent treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake stays moist and delicious when covered and stored at room temperature for up to two days. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container helps maintain freshness without drying it out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead of time, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, simply microwave slices for 20 to 30 seconds or briefly heat them in a low oven wrapped in foil. This revives the melty chocolate chips and enhances the orange aroma, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate chips will give the cake a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the bright orange notes. It’s a great option if you prefer a less sweet but more complex taste.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure the mix contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly.
Is the ground cinnamon necessary?
The cinnamon is optional but highly recommended for a warm, festive touch that complements the orange perfectly. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, feel free to leave it out; the cake will still be delicious.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax or chia eggs instead of eggs, and swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt. The flavor might take a small twist, but it will still capture the festive spirit.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). It’s important to check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavor that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday table. Its luscious balance of citrus and chocolate, combined with a tender crumb, makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try baking this delicious cake and share it with your loved ones—it’s the kind of recipe that creates happy memories and a truly festive spirit!
Print
Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake is a rich and moist dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Infused with zesty orange and deep cocoa flavors, it’s enhanced with semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent touch. The cake is easy to prepare and bakes to a tender crumb, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a bright orange glaze for a festive look.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar or orange glaze (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if using. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed for a uniform cake texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aerates the butter and sugar, contributing to a light cake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat the eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, mixing each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest to infuse the batter with sweet and citrusy flavors.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in the fresh orange juice and sour cream, mixing until just combined to maintain moisture and a tender crumb in the cake.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until fully incorporated but without overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the cake for pockets of melted chocolate.
- Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Finish: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to settle, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with an orange glaze for a festive and bright finish.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or chunks.
- To make a simple orange glaze, blend 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.
- This cake can be made up to one day in advance and stored covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, Holiday
