Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

 

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1/2 cup sunflower oil (or neutral oil)

- 2 large eggs

- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

- 2 teaspoons orange zest

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or dairy-free alternative

For the Chocolate Orange Glaze:

- 1/2 cup dark chocolate (dairy-free if desired), finely

chopped

- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch

loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa

powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated

sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add the eggs

one at a time, whisking well after each addition.

4. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and

yogurt. Mix until fully combined.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture,

being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick

and glossy.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth

the top.

7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted

into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let

the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before

transferring to a wire rack.

8. For the glaze, place the chopped chocolate in a

heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the orange

juice and maple syrup just until it begins to simmer. Pour

the hot liquid over the chocolate and let sit for 1–2

minutes. Stir until smooth.

9. Once the loaf has cooled completely, pour the glaze

over the top, letting it drip slightly down the sides.

10. Let the glaze set before slicing. Serve with fresh

orange slices for a refreshing citrus touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes |

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 slices