Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup sour cream
For the Ganache:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Garnish:
Orange zest
Candied orange slices
Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and melted butter until well combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
Combine and Add Sour Cream:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Ganache:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Garnish with extra orange zest and candied orange slices.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve this luscious cake with a smile!
