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    Home » Recipes » Desserts and Sweet Treats

    Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

    Published: Feb 22, 2011 · Updated: Apr 13, 2022 · by Nicole · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Gluten Free Chocolate Orange Cake
    Chocolate Orange Cake Vegetarian & Gluten Free
    chocolate orange cake
    chocolate orange cake
    chocolate orange cake
    chocolate orange cake

    Nigella's gorgeous gluten-free chocolate orange cake is smothered in a rich chocolate ganache and decorated with mouthwatering chocolate orange segments.

    Gluten Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe - #glutenfree | Get the recipe at deliciouseveryday.com

    Chocolate Orange Cake....what is there not to love?

    According to one study, melting chocolate in your mouth is results in more of an increase in heart rate and brain activity than passionate kissing.  

    Other research suggests that it can have a number of positive health effects including lowering blood pressure, can boost your memory and even increase your sex drive. Sign me up!

    So, for this fortnight's Cookbook challenge, with the theme of Love, I decided to make Nigella Lawson's Gluten Free Chocolate Orange cake.

    Making Chocolate Orange Cake

    This chocolate orange cake recipe is deliciously moist, thanks to the almond meal (making it gluten free too), 2 whole oranges (yes, whole oranges) and 6 eggs.  

    Nigella's flourless chocolate orange cake is also supremely easy to make as it's all done in the food processor. Yay for simple cakes!

    I then decorated the cake with a chocolate orange glaze and surrounded the cake with Orange D'Anvers segments. Similar to these - if you want to give it a try!

    If this sounds amazing - be sure to check out these chocolate orange cookies too!

    One bite of this Chocolate Orange Cake and you will fall in love.

    And while I haven't tried to make a vegan version of this cake yet, I bet it would be pretty simple by substituting applesauce and flax eggs for the eggs and coconut cream for the cream.

    (If you want to give that a try - be sure to grab a copy of my printable vegan baking cheat sheet. It's packed with handy substitutions for recipes like this!)

    chocolate orange cake

    Chocolate Orange Cake recipe

    Nigella's gorgeous gluten-free chocolate orange cake is smothered in a rich chocolate ganache and decorated with mouthwatering chocolate orange segments.
    (Recipe from Feast by Nigella Lawson. Chocolate Orange Glaze recipe adapted from Martha Stewart.)

    4.23 from 59 votes
    Print Pin Save Saved!
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Dessert
    Keyword: Chocolate Cake recipe, Chocolate Orange Cake recipe
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 hours
    Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
    Calories: 443kcal
    Author: Delicious Everyday
    10 slices

    Ingredients

    • 1 large orange or 2 small, weighing approximately 375g
    • 6 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder heaped
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 cups ground almonds or almond flour
    • 1 cup caster sugar
    • ½ cup cocoa powder good quality

    CHOCOLATE ORANGE GLAZE

    • 6 ounces dark chocolate
    • 1 cup cream
    • 1 teaspoon Cointreau

    FOR DECORATING (OPTIONAL)

    • chocolate orange segment candies
    US Customary - Metric

    Special Equipment

    • 8" springform pan

    Instructions

    • Put the oranges in a saucepan with cold water and bring to the boil before reducing the heat and simmering for 2 hours, or until soft. Drain the water and set aside to cool. When cool, cut the oranges in half and remove any large pips.
    • Grease an 8" (20 cm) springform pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (80 Celsius).
    • Pulp the orange in a food processor before adding the eggs, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, almonds, sugar and cocoa and processing until you have a smooth batter- but still flecked with orange.
    • Pour the batter into the springform pan and bake for 1 hour. Check the cake after 45 minutes as you may need to cover it with foil to prevent burning before the cake is cooked through.
    • Let the cake cool in the tin before removing.
    • For the glaze, chop the chocolate into small pieces and place into a bowl. Pour the cream into a saucepan and heat until almost boiling and then pour over the chocolate pieces. Let it stand for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth. Let it stand for 10 minutes before decorating the cake with the optional chocolate orange slices.

    Nutrition (Estimated)

    Calories: 443kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 11gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 106mgPotassium: 306mgFiber: 6gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 529IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 118mgIron: 4mg
    Shop our Cookbooks!Check out our collection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks for more tasty meatless recipe ideas.

    More Vegetarian & Vegan Dessert Recipes

    • Orange Olive Oil Cake
    • Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
    • Lemon Cheesecake Bars
    • Lavender Shortbread Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sam says

      August 14, 2019 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      Made this cake over the weekend and came out really nice. I ordered the chocolate oranges on Amazon. They were a little different than the kind in your picture, but still tasted great!

      Reply
    2. K says

      August 09, 2019 at 7:47 am

      Has anyone tried to make this with sweetner/applesauce instead of sugar? Need to make it diabetic friendly (the low GI index from no flour is already a plus). Thanks in advance!

      Reply
    3. Jacqui says

      July 22, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      An incredible moist and flavorful cake!!!
      Love,Love,Love it!
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Nicole says

        July 24, 2019 at 5:27 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    4. Jacqui Lim says

      May 27, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      Hi Nicole,

      Gonna bake this for a gal friend’s birthday request.
      Is it possible to bake this in 2 x 6 inch round pans.
      What would be the suggested baking time and temp on these pan size?
      As there are only 6 of us.
      Can’t possible finish the whole cake.
      Thanks much
      Jacqui

      Reply
      • Nicole says

        June 25, 2019 at 10:28 pm

        I have not tried it that way, but I don't see why it would be a problem. Here is a good reference for converting pan sizes: https://www.browneyedbaker.com/how-to-convert-pan-sizes/

        Reply
    5. dafmatok says

      May 04, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so royal! 🙂

      Reply
    6. bernie says

      April 06, 2016 at 4:33 pm

      How long will this cake keep or can I freeze it

      Thanks Bernie

      Reply
      • Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says

        April 06, 2016 at 5:03 pm

        This cake will keep for between 5 to 7 days depending on the climate you live in. Here in Brisbane, it is quite humid, so I find it lasts around 5 days. As for freezing, I haven't tried that with this particular cake, but it shouldn't be an issue.

        Reply
      • CoA says

        March 02, 2019 at 12:05 am

        About three minutes... or at least that's how long it has lasted in my house with my kids... can't tell you how long it lasts without being eaten

        Reply
    7. Terry says

      December 09, 2015 at 11:35 am

      Would you know if this cake could be made the day before an event? If so, would it be stored in the refrigerator or on the counter? Thank you in advance.

      Reply
      • Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says

        December 10, 2015 at 9:18 am

        This cake can definitely be made the day before and stored on the counter. I hope you enjoy it. It is one of my favourite cakes 🙂

        Reply
    8. Karly hodge says

      December 06, 2015 at 1:31 am

      Hello I was just wondering do you have to peal the oranges before adding to the food processor or add in with the peal?

      Reply
      • Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says

        December 06, 2015 at 4:15 pm

        The oranges are added with the peel, however, you'll need to remove the seeds from the oranges. I cut them, scoop out the seeds and then pop them in the food processor. I hope you enjoy the cake. It is one of my favourites 🙂

        Reply
    9. Tina says

      October 25, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Hi

      Im a novice baker,
      Im wondering, for the chocolate, what sort of chocotae do you use?

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 25, 2012 at 1:32 pm

        Hi Tina,

        In this recipe I use good quality chocolate such as Lindt, or Nestle 70% cocoa baking chocolate. I hope that helps 😀

        Reply
        • Tina says

          October 25, 2012 at 2:22 pm

          Thank you so much ^^ ill give it a try and let you know the result

          Btw, if i omit the cointreau,will it make so much difference?

        • Jennifer says

          October 25, 2012 at 2:26 pm

          No, the cointreau only adds flavour. 😀

    10. John Mampe says

      August 31, 2012 at 4:04 am

      luv

      Reply
    11. emily says

      March 15, 2012 at 7:07 pm

      i feel like this is an extra dumb question but at what point do i add the cointreau to the glaze? im making this for my mums bday and want to make sure its perfect. your cake looks absolutely amazing!

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        March 17, 2012 at 9:14 am

        Hi Emily, add the Cointreau after you've mixed the cream into the chocolate and after the chocolate has melted. Good luck with the cake and happy birthday to your Mum 😀

        Reply
    12. Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen says

      January 20, 2012 at 11:09 am

      Oh man, this cake looks fabulous! I love the chocolate and orange combo! 🙂

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        January 20, 2012 at 7:21 pm

        Thanks you Christina 😀

        Reply
    13. Mishaps and mayhem of a gluten free life says

      December 18, 2011 at 9:50 pm

      I made this as a bday cake for my mum who loves the Choc orange combination! I used lindt dark orange chocolate n lindt balls for the ganache! It was so delicious, moist and tasty without being too overwhelming with oranges! The best part I could eat it as I used almond meal (instead of ground almonds)! I decorated the sides with fresh oranges cut into small slices like your chocolate! It looked and tasted wonderful a hit alround! A recipe that I didn't have to make gf, perfect!

      Reply
    14. jodie sorensen says

      September 04, 2011 at 10:40 am

      omg!!!!!! this cake is 2 die 4!!! my partner & kids luuuuuuvvvvved it! i was boasting about it 2 my sister & now we have organised a bake-off with mum being the judge. i think we've got it hands down nigella! thanks sooo much!!

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        September 05, 2011 at 7:25 am

        Hi Jodie,

        Thank you so much for letting me know how it turned out. I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed it as much as we did. It's certainly one of my favourite cakes. 😀

        Reply
    15. Beck says

      March 27, 2011 at 7:01 pm

      I made this today for my mother-in-law's birthday cake. I didn't have quite enough almond meal so I made up the last 50g with plain flour and put toasted almonds on top of the ganache. It was still just slightly warm in middle when I served it (but not enough to make the ganache run). I was after something with orange flavour that fitted with having the cake as dessert. It was delicious - rave reviews - and I'd definitely make this again.

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        March 28, 2011 at 9:55 am

        Hi Beck 😀 That was lovely of you to make this cake for your mother-in-laws birthday. I'm so glad it turned out so well for you. I have to admit it's one of my favourite cake recipes. It really is so delicious without being overly sickly sweet. Thank you for taking the time to let me know how it went. 🙂

        Reply
    16. CC11 says

      March 04, 2011 at 4:21 pm

      I simply adore the fact that you garnished it with chocolate orange segments - you made a sexy cake even sexier!

      Reply
    17. Irvin says

      March 03, 2011 at 1:07 pm

      Oh I love it! It looks like such a great special occasion dessert and the orange segments look awesome surrounding that decadence. Well done!
      My recent post The Gluten Free Ratio Rally – Quinoa Cornmeal Lemon Honey Pancakes with Rosemary infused Maple Syrup

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        March 03, 2011 at 3:20 pm

        Thanks Irvin 😀

        Reply
    18. Emma @CakeMistress says

      March 01, 2011 at 10:24 am

      I love the way you have decorated Nigella's cake, very chic! Chocolate is the best cure-all I reckon 🙂

      Reply
    19. delicieux says

      February 27, 2011 at 10:14 am

      I love it too Kulsum 😀 I will definitely be making this one again and again. It's a new favourite. I love Nigella's recipes.

      Reply
    20. delicieux says

      February 27, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Exactly Sylvie! I feel obligated to indulge daily, especially as Dr Oz suggests everyone have a little dark chocolate every day. I guess his definition of a little and mine might differ though 😉

      Reply
    21. delicieux says

      February 27, 2011 at 10:10 am

      Thanks foodieandchef 😀

      Reply
    22. delicieux says

      February 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

      Thank you 😀

      Reply
    23. Kulsum says

      February 27, 2011 at 12:58 pm

      I have made this recipe on nigella and totallllly love it. But must admit you make it look way betteer than mine :-)ut must admite you make it look way better than mine 🙂

      Reply
    24. Sylvie @ GITK says

      February 27, 2011 at 8:58 am

      I believe it, chocolate does have a strange powerful effect on me! And hey if it's for my health then I'm obligated to indulge right?
      My recent post string bean and pea pasta with spinach pesto in search of green

      Reply
    25. @foodieandchef says

      February 27, 2011 at 2:25 am

      This looks absolutely heavenly, I'm a huge choc-orange fan... I love cakes that use whole oranges. Beautiful photos.
      My recent post banoffee pie eater discretion advised

      Reply
    26. pearlsandprose says

      February 26, 2011 at 10:54 am

      Oh my, this looks divine. You've decorated it beautifully too!
      My recent post Collage

      Reply
    27. delicieux says

      February 25, 2011 at 1:49 pm

      Yes, they are exactly like Terry's orange segments. They're delicious 😀

      Reply
    28. rfr says

      February 25, 2011 at 11:02 am

      are these like Terry's orange segments? I love those!!!
      My recent post Video- Sneaky Macaroni Mac n Cheese Recipe

      Reply
    29. delicieux says

      February 24, 2011 at 1:09 pm

      Thanks for your comments. 🙂 Let me know what you thought of the cake when you get a chance to make it 😀

      Reply
    30. Stephanie says

      February 24, 2011 at 11:09 pm

      Your cake looks gorgeous! Plus it sounds delicious and so easy to make (not to mention not too unhealthy for a cake). And I will take any excuse to eat more chocolate so I appreciate the research findings 🙂
      My recent post Limoncello &amp Meyer Lemon Cupcakes

      Reply
    31. delicieux says

      February 23, 2011 at 7:14 am

      Hi Kay, it's not a silly question at all. 😀 But yes, you do leave the peel on. The oranges are boiled whole.

      Reply
    32. queenotisblue says

      February 23, 2011 at 7:14 pm

      OMG! That looks seriously good. And no wheat flour - bonus! (I can't eat wheat). I am going to try this when I get back home. Classic flavour combination and I love the use of the choc orange segments. Inspiring

      Reply
    33. Wendi says

      February 23, 2011 at 8:55 am

      Chocolate and orange is such a perfect combination. That's one fine looking cake.

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 23, 2011 at 9:25 am

        Thank you so much Wendi 😀

        Reply
    34. Not Quite Nigella says

      February 22, 2011 at 5:43 pm

      Jennifer that looks gorgeous! I love how you used chocolates to decorate the sides too! 🙂
      My recent post Win 1 of 3 Ecofy Organic Seasonal Fruit &amp Vegetable Boxes!

      Reply
    35. MaryMoh says

      February 22, 2011 at 4:50 pm

      Orange and chocolate is such a great combination. I love this cake. Bookmarking it to try. Thanks very much for sharing.
      My recent post Classy Indonesian Layer Cake Kek Lapis

      Reply
    36. Kay says

      February 23, 2011 at 7:11 am

      This may be a silly question, but do you peel the oranges before boiling them or leave the peel on? The cake looks lovely and I'm looking forward to trying it!

      Reply
    37. Taz says

      February 23, 2011 at 6:21 am

      yum, this sounds delicious. Cakes with oranges cooked this way are always fantastic!
      My recent post Lemon Madeleines with Rhubarb and Strawberry Jam

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 23, 2011 at 6:42 am

        Thanks for your comments Taz and thanks for visiting 😀

        Reply
    38. Ellie says

      February 22, 2011 at 3:31 pm

      Beautifully decorated chocolate orange cake. Love the glossy look.

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 3:44 pm

        Thanks Ellie. I love the glossiness too.

        Reply
    39. Fitter Than Choc says

      February 22, 2011 at 1:32 pm

      This is such a beautiful cake. Orange and chocolate goes so well together, and I love the Orange D’Anvers segments on this cake. it gives the cake such a nice finishing touch:) I was actually trying to read off the words on those little segments. Even though I probably can't eat this, I'd still enjoy admiring this cake!
      My recent post My Half Marathon Training Plan

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 3:41 pm

        Thanks Fitter Than Choc 😀

        The words on the segments say 'Truffle D'Anvers'. I love Anvers chocolates. Every time I go home to Tasmania I have to go there, not only for their yummy chocolates, but also for their delicious lunches too.

        Reply
        • @fitterthanchoc says

          March 01, 2011 at 10:36 pm

          I will keep this in mind, and get some of these if I ever go to Tasmania:)
          My recent post National Peanut Butter Lovers Day PB &amp Choc Oatmeal Balls

    40. JohannaGGG says

      February 22, 2011 at 12:08 pm

      Oh this looks so decadent - I love orange and chocolate - have made a similar cake without chocolate but doesn't it all taste better with chocolate (and a little tip I discovered when I made the orange almond cake was that you can microwave the oranges in far less time than it takes to boil them)
      My recent post Earl Grey cupcakes and nutritous ganache

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 1:14 pm

        Thanks for the microwave tip Johanna! I'll try that next time 😀

        Reply
    41. Nicole@HeatOvenTo350 says

      February 22, 2011 at 12:00 pm

      So smart! I have a couple of those chocolate oranges that were given to me as gifts over Christmas - what a genius idea to use them to decorate a cake. (Especially since I'm not the most skilled froster in the world.) I'll have to try this out!

      Reply
    42. leigh says

      February 22, 2011 at 10:39 am

      Your photography is beautiful and the cake looks gorgeous. I love the orange/chocolate combination.

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 10:52 am

        Thank you so much Leigh. 😀 I love chocolate and orange together too....it's a perfect match.

        Reply
    43. Iron Chef Shellie says

      February 22, 2011 at 10:30 am

      EXCUSE ME!!! How freakin awesome does this cake look!?!? you can send me a slice stat 😛
      My recent post Banana &amp Butterscotch Muffins

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 10:51 am

        Thanks Shellie. 😀 I would send you some, but I think it would get a bit mushed up in the mail. You will just have to make your own. Trust me, it's delicious!

        Reply
    44. Cookie says

      February 22, 2011 at 8:54 am

      OMG this looks soooo amazing. The decoration with the chocolate slices was genius!

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 10:00 am

        Thanks Cookie 😀 I couldn't think of how to decorate the cake and then remembered I had some chocolate orange segments in the pantry. It was a perfect way to use them as I'd almost forgotten about them.

        Reply
    45. Trudy~Veggie num num says

      February 22, 2011 at 8:25 am

      Oh my!! This looks so chocolaty and so deliciously orange-y!! I love the combo of choc and orange and this beautiful rich cakes looks super amazing!!
      My recent post A Vegan Sandwich Project and Veggie num num’s Crispy Drunken notChicken Baguette

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 9:59 am

        Thanks Trudy. 😀 The cake was a wonderful combination of chocolate and orange, and not that fake orange flavour. A wonderfully fresh orange. I will definitely make it again, not only because it's amazingly delicious (it would be superb at a dinner party), but because it's super easy too.

        Reply
    46. Prerna@IndianSimmer says

      February 22, 2011 at 7:54 am

      Oh gosh, that looks SO good! If I could I would marry Nigella 🙂 Love all her recipes and this ones exceptional!

      Reply
      • delicieux says

        February 22, 2011 at 9:58 am

        While I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd marry Nigella 😉 , I do agree her recipes are always fantastic. I definitely wouldn't say no if I was invited to a dinner party she was throwing!

        Reply

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    Nicole - Vegetarian Food Blogger

    Nicole is a 25+ year vegetarian, and author of a vegan cookbook. She shares her recipes on Delicious Everyday, an award-winning vegetarian and vegan food blog.  About Nicole

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