Imagine a dessert that combines the bright, zesty essence of fresh oranges with the rich, decadent allure of dark chocolate - a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy! This Orange Cake with Chocolate Truffle Frosting isn't just a recipe; it's a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary adventure. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this show-stopping cake promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with orange juice. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the chocolate truffle frosting, place chopped dark chocolate in a heat-safe bowl.
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy, creating a rich ganache.
- Allow the ganache to cool and thicken for about 15-20 minutes until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate truffle frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Optional: Garnish with orange zest or chocolate shavings for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and optimal cake texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For the most intense orange flavor, use fresh orange juice and add some zest to the batter.
- When making the ganache, ensure the cream is hot but not boiling when you pour it over the chocolate.
- Let the ganache cool and thicken naturally for the perfect spreadable consistency.
- For a professional finish, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly.
- Chill the cake before serving to help the frosting set and enhance the flavor melding.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
