Few combinations are as indulgent and universally adored as chocolate and orange. The tangy zest of orange paired with the rich depth of chocolate creates a flavour marriage that captivates the palate with every bite. One of the most delightful incarnations of this pairing is the Chocolate Orange Cake—a decadent treat that adds a citrusy twist to the traditional cupcake, turning it into a warm, comforting dessert that begs to be shared.
What makes the Chocolate Orange Cake so special is its subtle balance of flavours. The base of the cake is a simple cupcake, but with the notable difference of being infused with orange essence, lending a zesty brightness to the otherwise sweet, soft sponge. This orange flavour isn’t overwhelming, but just enough to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich topping that awaits.
The magic happens when the cupcake is flipped upside down and bathed in a generous layer of melted chocolate. Served warm, the cake is soft and moist, allowing the chocolate to gently coat its surface. The decision to serve the cake upside down is a clever one, allowing the chocolate to settle and seep into the sponge, creating a delicious melding of textures. As the melted chocolate begins to cool slightly, it forms a delicate, silky glaze that elevates the entire experience.
As if that weren’t enough, a final flourish is added with a light grating of fresh chocolate, enhancing both the appearance and taste of the cake. The warmth of the cake allows the grated chocolate to soften and meld into the topping, providing an extra hit of indulgence with every mouthful.
The Chocolate Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together classic elements with a playful twist. Whether enjoyed at a special occasion or as an indulgent treat, its combination of flavours and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, offering comfort and a touch of sophistication all in one bite.
Chocolate Orange Cake
The Chocolate Orange Cake is a zesty orange-flavoured cupcake topped with rich melted chocolate, served upside down for a unique twist. Grated chocolate added while still warm enhances the indulgence, making it a decadent and comforting dessert. Yummy every time.
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Servings: 12 Cupcakes
Calories: 268kcal
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 125 g unsalted butter softened
- 125 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs free range
- 1 large orange zest
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 60 ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 200 g milk chocolate chopped
- milk chocolate for grating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tray with 12 paper cases.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.125 g unsalted butter, 125 g granulated sugar
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest.2 large eggs, 1 large orange
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.150 g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.60 ml milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, melt the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.200 g milk chocolate
- Once the cupcakes have cooled slightly, carefully remove them from the cases and flip them upside down.
- Spoon the melted chocolate generously over each upside-down cupcake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- For an extra touch, grate a little additional chocolate over the warm chocolate topping just before serving.milk chocolate
- Enjoy your delightful Chocolate Orange Cakes while still warm!
Nutrition
Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
9 comments
I absolutely loved the contrast between the sweet, rich chocolate and the fresh citrus flavour of the orange.
Serving these upside down with melted chocolate was such a clever idea! It made the presentation stand out, and the grated chocolate added a touch of elegance.
These cakes were a hit at a party! The upside-down serving style made them fun, and the grated chocolate was a brilliant touch.
’m a huge fan of chocolate and orange together, and these cakes did not disappoint. The cake was moist, and the warm chocolate coating was melt-in-the-mouth divine.
The sponge was incredibly light and fluffy, while the warm, gooey chocolate on top was pure perfection. I loved the hint of orange—it wasn’t too overpowering, just enough to make the chocolate really shine.
They’re indulgent without being overly sweet—just the right amount of richness.
Quite simply divine.
The texture was soft and light, and the melted chocolate topping took it to the next level. Definitely a new favourite
I could eat these every day.