Zesty Ina Garten Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe Everyone Loves

Check out a chocolate orange cake that marries velvety cocoa with bright, zesty citrus notes in a mesmerizing dessert adventure.

This culinary masterpiece weaves rich chocolate’s deep warmth against sparkling orange’s vibrant tang, creating a sensational flavor profile.

Decadent and sophisticated, the cake whispers elegance with every forkful.

Smooth chocolate layers embrace delicate orange essence, transforming an ordinary treat into an extraordinary experience.

Luxurious crumb melts effortlessly, releasing waves of intense flavor that tantalize and surprise.

Professional bakers understand this combination transcends simple ingredients, elevating dessert to an art form.

Get ready to fall in love with a slice of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will leave you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s in Ina Garten Chocolate Orange Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached, freshly milled for maximum flavor and smooth texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal rising.
• Baking Soda: Check for recent packaging to guarantee potent leavening.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

• Butter: Select high-quality, European-style butter for rich, creamy consistency.
• Sugar: Opt for fine granulated sugar for smoother blending.
• Eggs: Use room temperature, farm-fresh eggs for better incorporation.
• Fresh Orange: Select ripe, fragrant oranges with vibrant, deep color.
• Buttermilk: Choose full-fat version for luxurious moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure, Madagascar bourbon vanilla for authentic flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Select high-quality semisweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
• Heavy Cream: Pick fresh, full-fat cream for silky ganache.
• Instant Coffee: Use premium granules to enhance chocolate depth.
• Granulated Sugar: Seek fine, white sugar for smooth syrup.

Tools to Bake Ina Garten Chocolate Orange Cake

• Stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to perfect consistency.
• 10-inch Bundt pan: Creates the signature ring shape with beautiful ridges.
• Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free and evenly distributed.
• Mixing bowls: Two separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients keep everything organized.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee baking success.
• Zester: Extracts fragrant orange zest without bitter white pith.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth orange syrup.
• Double boiler: Gently melts chocolate without scorching.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness with expert precision.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and scrape batter evenly.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool uniformly without soggy bottoms.

Follow These Instructions for Chocolate Orange Cake

• Set Up Baking Station

Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F. Coat a Bundt pan thoroughly with butter and flour, making sure every nook gets covered to prevent sticky situations.

• Create Creamy Base

Whip butter and sugar in a mixer until they transform into a cloud-like, pale mixture that looks absolutely dreamy. This magical process builds the cake’s soft foundation.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Gently mix in eggs one by one, then sprinkle in vibrant orange zest that’ll make your kitchen smell like sunshine. The citrus will dance through every bite.

• Blend Wet and Dry Worlds

Sift together dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, mix orange juice, buttermilk, and vanilla. These liquids will bring incredible moisture to your cake.

• Combine and Chocolate Surprise

Carefully fold flour mixture and liquid ingredients into your creamy base. Dust chocolate chunks with a bit of flour, then swirl them into the batter. Pour everything into the waiting Bundt pan.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and golden.

• Drench in Citrus Sweetness

Simmer orange juice and sugar until they become a silky syrup. This liquid gold will add an extra burst of flavor to your cake.

• Create Glossy Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips with cream and a hint of coffee over gentle heat. Stir until the mixture becomes a luxurious, shiny river of deliciousness.

• Final Flourish

Once the cake cools, shower it with orange syrup. Then cascade the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip dramatically down the sides.

How to Customize Chocolate Orange Cake Flavor

Explore exciting ways to make this chocolate orange Bundt cake uniquely yours.

Replace semisweet chocolate chunks with dark, milk, or white chocolate for different flavor profiles. Each type brings its own delightful twist to the cake’s richness.

Add a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the batter or syrup for an extra zesty kick. This grown-up version elevates the cake’s bright, tangy essence.

Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary needs. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same for consistent texture.

Fold in chopped nuts like toasted almonds or pecans for a delightful crunch. These add unexpected depth and interesting mouthfeel to each slice.

Serve Chocolate Orange Cake Creatively

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this decadent cake alongside a fresh fruit salad and creamy yogurt for a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece that will wow your guests.
• Coffee Companion: Pair each slice with a steaming espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich chocolate and bright orange flavors, creating a perfect afternoon indulgence.
• Dessert Showcase: Plate individual slices on elegant white dishes, garnishing with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra luxurious presentation.
• Party Pleaser: Cut into smaller bite-sized cubes for elegant cocktail parties, allowing guests to enjoy this sophisticated treat as a handheld dessert during social gatherings.

Save and Store Ina Garten Chocolate Orange Cake

• Maximize Freshness: Store cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days, protecting its moist texture and vibrant flavors.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent drying out when storing longer than 4 days.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice cake before freezing, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 2 months for spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Revive Stored Slices: Bring refrigerated or frozen cake to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to restore its original soft, decadent texture.

Velvety Ina Garten Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chocolate orange cake combines rich chocolate with zesty citrus notes for an elegant dessert. Dark cocoa and fresh orange zest create a luxurious flavor profile that delights palates and satisfies chocolate cravings.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chunks
• 8 oz (226 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 sticks (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice, fresh
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
• ¼ cup (12 g) orange zest
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and meticulously grease a Bundt pan with butter, dusting with flour to ensure effortless cake release.
2. Creaming: Utilize an electric mixer to whip butter and sugar into a fluffy, pale mixture, incorporating eggs individually and blending in vibrant orange zest for a citrusy essence.
3. Ingredient Integration: Simultaneously prepare dry and liquid components – sift flour, leavening agents, and salt in one bowl, while whisking orange juice, buttermilk, and vanilla in another. Gradually fold these mixtures into the butter base, alternating in thirds.
4. Chocolate Infusion: Coat chocolate chunks in flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the silky mixture.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan, creating a smooth surface. Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
6. Syrup and Glaze Preparation: Concurrently craft an orange syrup by dissolving sugar in fresh orange juice over medium-low heat. Create a luxurious chocolate ganache by melting chocolate chips with heavy cream and instant coffee in a double boiler until glossy and smooth.
7. Finishing Touches: After cooling completely, liberate the cake from the pan. Generously drizzle with orange syrup, allowing it to permeate the crumb. Optional: cascade chocolate ganache over the surface for an elegant sheen, potentially adorning with additional orange zest or chocolate shavings for a professional presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Toss chocolate chunks with flour before adding to batter to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
• Achieve Creamy Base: Cream butter and sugar for exactly 5 minutes to create a light, airy texture that’s crucial for the cake’s success.
• Master Syrup Absorption: Allow cake to cool completely before drizzling orange syrup, ensuring maximum flavor penetration and moisture.
• Ganache Perfection: Use a double boiler for smooth, glossy chocolate ganache and let it cool slightly before pouring to achieve ideal consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 63 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg