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.
So, for this fortnight’s Cookbook challenge, with the theme of Love, I decided to make Nigella Lawson’s Gluten Free Chocolate Orange cake.
This chocolate orange cake recipe is deliciously moist, thanks to the almond meal (making it gluten free), 2 whole oranges (yes, whole) 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.
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 recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large orange or 2 small weighing approximately 375g
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon heaped of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
- 200 g of ground almonds
- 250 g of caster sugar
- 50 g of good quality cocoa
CHOCOLATE ORANGE GLAZE
- 6 ounces of dark chocolate
- 1 cup of cream
- 1 teaspoon of Cointreau
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 a 20cm springform pan and preheat the oven to 180 Celsius (350 Fahrenheit).
- 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.
Nutrition
dafmatok says
May 4, 2018 at 5:49 pmLooks so royal! 🙂
bernie says
April 6, 2016 at 4:33 pmHow long will this cake keep or can I freeze it
Thanks Bernie
Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says
April 6, 2016 at 5:03 pmThis 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.
CoA says
March 2, 2019 at 12:05 amAbout 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
Terry says
December 9, 2015 at 11:35 amWould 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.
Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says
December 10, 2015 at 9:18 amThis 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 🙂
Karly hodge says
December 6, 2015 at 1:31 amHello I was just wondering do you have to peal the oranges before adding to the food processor or add in with the peal?
Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says
December 6, 2015 at 4:15 pmThe 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 🙂
Tina says
October 25, 2012 at 1:18 pmHi
Im a novice baker,
Im wondering, for the chocolate, what sort of chocotae do you use?
Thanks
Jennifer says
October 25, 2012 at 1:32 pmHi Tina,
In this recipe I use good quality chocolate such as Lindt, or Nestle 70% cocoa baking chocolate. I hope that helps 😀
Tina says
October 25, 2012 at 2:22 pmThank 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 pmNo, the cointreau only adds flavour. 😀
John Mampe says
August 31, 2012 at 4:04 amluv
emily says
March 15, 2012 at 7:07 pmi 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!
delicieux says
March 17, 2012 at 9:14 amHi 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 😀
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen says
January 20, 2012 at 11:09 amOh man, this cake looks fabulous! I love the chocolate and orange combo! 🙂
delicieux says
January 20, 2012 at 7:21 pmThanks you Christina 😀
Mishaps and mayhem of a gluten free life says
December 18, 2011 at 9:50 pmI 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!
jodie sorensen says
September 4, 2011 at 10:40 amomg!!!!!! 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!!
delicieux says
September 5, 2011 at 7:25 amHi 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. 😀
Beck says
March 27, 2011 at 7:01 pmI 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.
delicieux says
March 28, 2011 at 9:55 amHi 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. 🙂
CC11 says
March 4, 2011 at 4:21 pmI simply adore the fact that you garnished it with chocolate orange segments – you made a sexy cake even sexier!
Irvin says
March 3, 2011 at 1:07 pmOh I love it! It looks like such a great special occasion dessert and the orange segments look awesome surrounding that decadence. Well done!
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delicieux says
March 3, 2011 at 3:20 pmThanks Irvin 😀
Emma @CakeMistress says
March 1, 2011 at 10:24 amI love the way you have decorated Nigella’s cake, very chic! Chocolate is the best cure-all I reckon 🙂
delicieux says
February 27, 2011 at 10:14 amI love it too Kulsum 😀 I will definitely be making this one again and again. It's a new favourite. I love Nigella's recipes.
delicieux says
February 27, 2011 at 10:11 amExactly 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 😉
delicieux says
February 27, 2011 at 10:10 amThanks foodieandchef 😀
delicieux says
February 27, 2011 at 10:09 amThank you 😀
Kulsum says
February 27, 2011 at 12:58 pmI 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 🙂
Sylvie @ GITK says
February 27, 2011 at 8:58 amI 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?
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@foodieandchef says
February 27, 2011 at 2:25 amThis looks absolutely heavenly, I'm a huge choc-orange fan… I love cakes that use whole oranges. Beautiful photos.
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pearlsandprose says
February 26, 2011 at 10:54 amOh my, this looks divine. You've decorated it beautifully too!
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delicieux says
February 25, 2011 at 1:49 pmYes, they are exactly like Terry's orange segments. They're delicious 😀
rfr says
February 25, 2011 at 11:02 amare these like Terry's orange segments? I love those!!!
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delicieux says
February 24, 2011 at 1:09 pmThanks for your comments. 🙂 Let me know what you thought of the cake when you get a chance to make it 😀
Stephanie says
February 24, 2011 at 11:09 pmYour 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 🙂
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delicieux says
February 23, 2011 at 7:14 amHi Kay, it's not a silly question at all. 😀 But yes, you do leave the peel on. The oranges are boiled whole.
queenotisblue says
February 23, 2011 at 7:14 pmOMG! 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
Wendi says
February 23, 2011 at 8:55 amChocolate and orange is such a perfect combination. That's one fine looking cake.
delicieux says
February 23, 2011 at 9:25 amThank you so much Wendi 😀
Not Quite Nigella says
February 22, 2011 at 5:43 pmJennifer that looks gorgeous! I love how you used chocolates to decorate the sides too! 🙂
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Kay says
February 23, 2011 at 7:11 amThis 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!
Taz says
February 23, 2011 at 6:21 amyum, this sounds delicious. Cakes with oranges cooked this way are always fantastic!
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delicieux says
February 23, 2011 at 6:42 amThanks for your comments Taz and thanks for visiting 😀
MaryMoh says
February 22, 2011 at 4:50 pmOrange and chocolate is such a great combination. I love this cake. Bookmarking it to try. Thanks very much for sharing.
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Ellie says
February 22, 2011 at 3:31 pmBeautifully decorated chocolate orange cake. Love the glossy look.
delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 3:44 pmThanks Ellie. I love the glossiness too.
Fitter Than Choc says
February 22, 2011 at 1:32 pmThis 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!
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delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 3:41 pmThanks 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.
@fitterthanchoc says
March 1, 2011 at 10:36 pmI will keep this in mind, and get some of these if I ever go to Tasmania:)
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JohannaGGG says
February 22, 2011 at 12:08 pmOh 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)
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delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 1:14 pmThanks for the microwave tip Johanna! I'll try that next time 😀
[email protected] says
February 22, 2011 at 12:00 pmSo 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!
leigh says
February 22, 2011 at 10:39 amYour photography is beautiful and the cake looks gorgeous. I love the orange/chocolate combination.
delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 10:52 amThank you so much Leigh. 😀 I love chocolate and orange together too….it's a perfect match.
Iron Chef Shellie says
February 22, 2011 at 10:30 amEXCUSE ME!!! How freakin awesome does this cake look!?!? you can send me a slice stat 😛
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delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 10:51 amThanks 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!
Cookie says
February 22, 2011 at 8:54 amOMG this looks soooo amazing. The decoration with the chocolate slices was genius!
delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 10:00 amThanks 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.
Trudy~Veggie num num says
February 22, 2011 at 8:25 amOh 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!!
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delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 9:59 amThanks 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.
[email protected] says
February 22, 2011 at 7:54 amOh gosh, that looks SO good! If I could I would marry Nigella 🙂 Love all her recipes and this ones exceptional!
delicieux says
February 22, 2011 at 9:58 amWhile 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!