Imagine a dessert that combines the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange with the rich, velvety embrace of chocolate ganache - a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Orange Cake with Chocolate Ganache is not just a recipe; it's a sensory experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary moment of pure bliss. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver a showstopping dessert that looks professionally crafted but is surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Sift the flour into the wet ingredients and gently fold using a spatula, alternating with orange juice to create a smooth batter.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Let the ganache set for 15-20 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with orange zest.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, eggs, and orange juice are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold flour to prevent a tough cake - stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
- Zest Boost: Add some fresh orange zest to the batter for an extra punch of citrus flavor.
- Ganache Perfection: Use high-quality chocolate and be patient when whisking for a glossy, smooth finish.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool completely before adding ganache to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful presentation.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
