Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

This Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake will brighten up even the dullest winter day. Richly chocolaty with a strong orange flavor, this simple little cake is perfect with an afternoon cup of tea.

If you still don't think food can be magical, try peeling an orange. As you break the skin, you release the fruit's essential oils, and the scent of orange travels through your nose. What happens in your brain? Well, I'm not the one to explain it, but there's a strong possibility that you instantly feel more relaxed and happy. It's undeniable.

Yes, scientists with a more advanced vocabulary than me can explain exactly why this happens. They could tell you that the molecules in the orange oil trigger your brain to release certain hormones that your mind translates as happiness. We have a scientific explination, but I don't think that makes it any less magical. Whenever people ask me if spells really work, I simply say "Did it make you feel better? Then it worked."

What makes this Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake so awesome?

This cake is definitely going to make you feel better, no matter what your previous state had been. It's dense and rich and so chocolaty. Paired with the uplifting flavor of orange, it's pretty much guaranteed to bring you pleasure. This cake tastes exactly like a Terry's Chocolate Orange. It's sort of Christmas on a plate, and I can't get enough.

And as a loaf cake with no frosting or icing required, it's perfect for transporting or giving as a gift. It would also be lovely to offer up to visitors during the holidays or to bring to work for that Christmas lunch. And it's so simple, you could easily let your kids get involved with the baking. Everyone will love it.

Magical Properties of Oranges

I have a whole post about the healing and spiritual properties of oranges if you want to get into all the details. Orange energy can bring love, fertility, success, prosperity, and friendship. Add orange peel to a spell for luck to draw good things to you. Diffuse orange oil to induce relaxing and joyful vibes. (Source: Everyday Magic by Semra Haksever)

For more on the magical properties of the ingredients this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.

Tips for making Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

This recipe is so simple, especially as we're measuring our ingredients by weight instead of volume. We start by beating together butter and brown sugar, along with a little bit of golden syrup or light corn syrup to give the cake some lift and sweetness. Then we'll mix in the eggs and slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, including cocoa powder. Then to make the cake extra awesome, you'll mix in orange zest and orange juice. Zest your citrus right over the bowl so all the essential oils fall into your batter and not onto your countertop.

Then we simply bake it in a loaf pan. If this cake falls a bit after it comes out of the oven, don't panic. This is a moist and dense cake. Let it cool completely before you slice and serve.

Bring some instant happiness into your day with a slice of Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake. It's definitely the kind of magic you're looking for.

Looking for more awesome cake recipes? Try this Citrus Bundt Cake or a 5 Minute Microwave Lemon Cake.

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