Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake
Ingredients:
For the cake:
1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 large orange
¾ cup (180 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
Optional add-ins:
½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips or chunks
For the glaze:
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2–3 tbsp orange juice
Orange zest (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven:
Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan (about 9×5 inch / 23×13 cm).
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar:
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add wet ingredients:
Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and orange zest.
5. Combine:
Alternately add the dry ingredients and orange juice + milk mixture to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Add chocolate chips (optional):
Fold them in gently.
7. Bake:
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the glaze:
1. Mix powdered sugar, cocoa, and orange juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
3. Sprinkle orange zest on top for extra flavor and decoration.
