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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.
PrintChocolate 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.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 150 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup
- 175 grams dark brown sugar
- 150 grams all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170C (350F) and line a loaf tin with parchment. If you can get those cute loaf tin liners, they work great.
- Beat together the the butter, golden syrup, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer for several minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
- With the mixer on lower, add a big spoonful of the flour mixture followed by an egg and beat until combined. Add another scoop or two of flour and the second egg, and then finally mix in the rest of the dry ingredients.
- Scrape down the sides of your bowl, then zest your orange into the batter and squeeze in the orange juice. Give it all one last spin with the mixture until smooth.
- Pour the batter into your waiting pan and bake for 40 minutes. It's okay if your cake tester comes out with a few bits.
- Allow it to cool before slicing and eating with tea.
Notes
- Golden syrup is extremely sticky, but a dab of vegetable oil in your tablespoon will help the syrup pour out more easily.
Keywords: Chocolate, Orange, Cake
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