Learn how to make an Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake that is perfect for any occasion! This cake is rich, moist, and offers a delightful blend of chocolate and orange flavors. It’s ideal for celebrations, casual gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself. The best part? It’s made with healthier ingredients without sacrificing taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and orange creates a unique taste that will impress your family and friends.
- Healthier Ingredients: This cake uses wholemeal flour and yogurt, making it a more nutritious option compared to traditional cakes.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can whip up this cake in no time!
- Versatile Serving: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because – this cake suits any occasion.
- Vegan-Friendly Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative to make it suitable for everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your essential tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cake tins
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Cake tins: Ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your cake.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients effectively without mess.
- Whisk: Ideal for achieving a smooth batter by incorporating air into your mixture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- Plain Wholemeal Flour: 180 g (1 ½ cup)
- Cocoa Powder: 45 g (½ cup)
- Baking Soda: 1 ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
Wet Ingredients
- Orange Juice: 180 ml (¾ cup) (or 1 tsp orange extract and ½ cup of milk)
- Thick Yogurt: 280 g (1 ¼ cup)
- Liquid Sweetener: 240 g (¾ cup)
- Olive Oil: 75 g (¼ cup)
For the Frosting
- Apricot Jam or Orange Marmalade: 60 g (¼ cup)
- Cream Cheese: 120 g (½ cup)
- Thick Yogurt: 120 g (½ cup)
- Liquid Sweetener: 60 g (3 tbsp)
- Cocoa Powder: 35 g (⅓ cup)
- Orange Zest: 1 tbsp (optional)
How to Make Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F / 160°C fan. Grease your two cake tins or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the following:
1. Wholemeal flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
Whisk these dry ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, add:
1. Orange juice
2. Thick yogurt
3. Liquid sweetener
4. Olive oil
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture. Gently whisk or fold until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Evenly divide the cake batter between your prepared cake tins.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes. Once done, leave to cool in the tin on a wire rack.
Step 7: Assemble Your Cake
Once completely cooled, spread a layer of jam onto one sponge before placing the second sponge on top to create a delicious layered effect. Enjoy your Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake!
How to Serve Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
Serving your Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake can elevate the experience for your guests and family. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement this rich dessert.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the chocolate-orange flavor.
- Raspberries: The tartness enhances the cake’s richness.
Drizzled with Dark Chocolate Sauce
- A warm dark chocolate sauce adds an indulgent touch, making each slice even more decadent.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a creamy contrast that balances the dense cake texture.
Garnished with Orange Zest
- A sprinkle of fresh orange zest on top brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.
How to Perfect Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
To ensure your Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing ingredients like yogurt and eggs to room temperature helps them blend better, resulting in a smoother batter.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid using too much flour, which can make the cake dry.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating it’s ready.
Best Side Dishes for Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake can enhance your dessert table. Here are some delicious options.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the rich flavors of the cake.
- Coconut Yogurt: This dairy-free option provides a light, refreshing contrast.
- Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Crunchy almonds coated in chocolate offer a delightful textural element.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and lightness to every bite.
- Mint Tea: A soothing mint tea complements chocolate beautifully while aiding digestion.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cake, making it an irresistible combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can affect the texture and taste of your cake.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can lead to a cake that is too dry or too dense. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting the cake before it has cooled can make it crumble. Allow it to cool completely in the tin before slicing.
- Using low-quality chocolate: The flavor of your cake depends on the quality of chocolate used. Opt for good quality cocoa powder for the best results.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different, so check your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. Adjust as needed based on how your oven performs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep moisture in.
- The cake can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making the Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute plain wholemeal flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for better structure.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace thick yogurt with plant-based yogurt and ensure your liquid sweetener is vegan-friendly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have orange juice?
You can use orange extract combined with milk as an alternative for orange juice without losing flavor.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! You can enhance this cake by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or even incorporating nuts or dried fruits.
Final Thoughts
The Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake is not only delightful but also versatile. This recipe allows room for customization; feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, this cake will surely impress everyone at your table. Give it a try!
Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
Discover the joy of baking with this Easy and Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake, a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and refreshing orange flavors. This cake is moist, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual get-together, or simply a well-deserved treat for yourself. Made with healthier ingredients like wholemeal flour and yogurt, this recipe ensures you don’t have to compromise on taste while enjoying a nutritious dessert. Plus, it offers a vegan option, making it inclusive for everyone! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering cake that satisfies both your sweet cravings and your health goals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Wholemeal flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Orange juice
- Thick yogurt
- Liquid sweetener
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease two cake tins.
- Sift together wholemeal flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together orange juice, thick yogurt, liquid sweetener, and olive oil until smooth.
- Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture; gently mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared tins and bake for 20-22 minutes until done.
- Allow cooling before assembling with apricot jam between layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
