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Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe

Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
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4.7 from 29 reviews

Indulge in the holiday spirit with this Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake. Rich, chocolatey, and bursting with zesty orange flavor, this decadent dessert is perfect for any festive celebration.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cake:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel or dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar or melted chocolate for decorating

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate and candied orange peel (and nuts, if using).
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Cool and decorate: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Notes

  • This cake can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
  • For an extra-festive look, decorate with sugared cranberries, orange slices, or edible gold leaf.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/festive-chocolate-orange-christmas-cake-recipe/