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Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe

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4 from 58 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

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Find it online: https://mamabrisrecipes.com/festive-chocolate-orange-christmas-cake-recipe/