Description
This Chocolate Orange Marble Cake offers a perfect blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors swirled into a moist, tender cake. Combining a classic vanilla batter with a luscious cocoa mix, this cake is finished with an optional fresh orange glaze that enhances its citrusy notes, making it a flavorful delight ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup boiling water
For the Orange Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan to prepare it for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with whole milk, mixing just until combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Make Chocolate Mixture: In a small bowl, blend the unsweetened cocoa powder with boiling water until smooth to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Divide the Batter: Take half of the prepared vanilla batter and mix it thoroughly with the chocolate mixture to create the chocolate portion of the cake batter.
- Layer the Batter: Spoon half of the vanilla batter into the prepared pan, then add half of the chocolate batter on top. Repeat with remaining batters to form layers.
- Create the Marble Effect: Gently swirl the batters together using a knife or skewer to mimic a marbled pattern without overmixing to keep distinct layers.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signifying doneness.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more juice or sugar.
- Glaze the Cake: Once fully cooled, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top of the cake for a sweet citrus finish.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut the cake into slices and serve to enjoy the delightful blend of chocolate and orange flavors.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for maximum flavor impact.
- Do not overmix batter once dry ingredients are added to prevent a dense cake.
- The glaze is optional but highly recommended for added zest and moisture.
- Test cake doneness with a toothpick to avoid undercooking or overbaking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
