Are you craving a decadent yet surprisingly easy dessert that will impress your friends and family? Look no further! This Prolific Oven Chocolate Orange Almond Cake is the perfect answer. Bursting with the vibrant zing of orange and the rich intensity of dark chocolate, this cake is moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. It's the kind of homemade cooking that feels luxurious but won't keep you slaving away in the kitchen all day. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, but who don't want to compromise on taste. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 175g (6oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 175g (6oz) caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 175g (6oz) self-raising flour
- 25g (1oz) cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Juice of 1 orange
- 100g (3.5oz) flaked almonds
- 100g (3.5oz) dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher recommended)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
-
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done using an electric mixer, but you can achieve the same result with a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even a strong arm and a wooden spoon!
-
Add Eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of the flour to stabilize it.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This ensures a light and airy texture.
-
Fold & Incorporate: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
-
Add Flavor: Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, flaked almonds, and dark chocolate chips. The orange zest adds a beautiful brightness, while the almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
-
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy! This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Orange Almond Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and eggs at room temperature ensures a smoother batter and a better rise.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it's still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as lemon or lime, for a unique flavor profile.
- Nutty Delights: Substitute the almonds with other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
- Chocolate Overload: Add extra chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake for an extra chocolatey indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator online, inputting the specific brands and weights of your ingredients. However, generally, expect a moderately high calorie count due to the butter, sugar, and chocolate, but the cake also provides some healthy fats and fiber from the nuts and orange.
This prolific oven chocolate orange almond cake recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its delicious flavor and ease of preparation make it perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Enjoy!