Moist Chocolate Orange Cake: the Recipe for a Light, Creamy, Moist and Inviting Dessert!

Calling all citrus lovers! Today, we're baking a dream of a cake: a Creamy Orange Cake that is both bursting with flavor and easy to make. The best part? This recipe requires no fancy ingredients. We're using pantry staples like eggs, sugar, ricotta, and cocoa powder, along with a touch of cornstarch for a perfect texture.  And of course, the star of the show: dark chocolate and fresh oranges. The orange zest and juice add a citrus twist that perfectly complements the rich cocoa flavor. This Creamy Orange Cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you're serving it up for a special occasion or just a delightful afternoon treat.

The Delicious Combination of Chocolate and Orange!

The tasty combo of chocolate and orange has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries. In fact, some historians point to 15th-century Spain as a possible birthplace.  With orange trees growing alongside a newfound love for chocolate brought from the Americas, adventurous chefs and home cooks likely began experimenting with these two ingredients.  There’s a good reason why these go together: the bright citrus notes of orange balance out the richness of chocolate, creating a complex flavor profile. From airy chocolate orange mousses and silky truffles to vibrantly decorated cakes, there's a chocolate orange dessert to satisfy every craving.  And of course, who can forget the iconic Terry's Chocolate Orange, a festive favorite invented in 1932 that continues to be enjoyed by all chocolate and orange enthusiasts!

Tips

• Use fresh oranges for the zest and juice. Pre-bottled or concentrated orange products won't give you the same depth of flavor.
• Since chocolate is a prominent flavor, opt for good quality dark chocolate for the best results.
• Take the eggs and ricotta cheese out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This ensures they cream together smoothly, contributing to a lighter and fluffier cake.
• Don't underbake the cake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean for a perfectly cooked cake.
• Ricotta cheese adds a nice amount of moisture, but if you prefer a richer cake, you can substitute half of the ricotta with cream cheese.
• Serve your cake slices with a dollop of whipped cream flavored with a touch of orange zest for an extra creamy and delightful dessert experience.

Is The Orange Flavor Overpowering?

No, the orange flavor is a great balance to the chocolate, offering a refreshing citrusy note without being overpowering.

How Moist Is This Cake?

The ricotta cheese adds significant moisture to the cake, resulting in a very tender and moist crumb.

Can I Use a Different Citrus Fruit?

Yes, you could experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit for a different flavor twist. Adjust the amount of juice based on the fruit's tartness.

Can I Add Nuts To This Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the batter or as a topping.

I Don't Like Ricotta Cheese. Can I Use Something Else?

You could substitute cream cheese for half of the ricotta, but the cake might be a bit denser. Plain yogurt could also be an option, but the texture might be slightly different.

How Can I Decorate This Cake?

The powdered sugar dusting is a simple and elegant option. You could also get creative with orange slices, chocolate shavings, candied orange peels, or a drizzle of orange glaze.

More Chocolate Desserts You Can't Miss

Double Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups

3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge

Quick Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cookies

How to Store Creamy Orange Cake

Store the cake in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.

How To Make Creamy Orange Cake

Place dark chocolate pieces in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for short bursts (30 seconds at a time) on medium power, stirring in between each interval, until melted and smooth.

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add the ricotta cheese, cocoa powder, orange juice and zest, and melted chocolate and continue mixing until fully combined.

Pour the batter into a prepared 20 cm/8-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a serving dish.

Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Decorate with fresh orange slices for a pop of color and citrusy aroma. Slice and serve!