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There’s something incredibly delightful about the combination of chocolate and orange that brings a touch of brightness to a classic dessert. Just imagine cutting into a moist loaf cake where the rich, velvety chocolate mingles effortlessly with the zesty notes of fresh orange. That’s the magic of this Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake—a tender sponge infused with orange extract and generously dotted with chunks of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, creating an experience that’s both indulgent and uplifting.

Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon tea or a special gathering, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up! Plus, with suggestions for gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations, everyone can enjoy a slice of this heavenly creation. Let’s dive into the recipe that will transform your baking routine and tantalize your taste buds!

Why is Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange creates an unforgettable taste sensation that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Moist and Tender: This loaf cake boasts a soft crumb that’s perfectly balanced, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.

Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you don’t need to be a professional baker to impress your friends and family.

Versatile Options: Have dietary needs? This recipe includes easy adaptations for gluten-free and dairy-free versions, so everyone can indulge.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy tea time or a festive celebration, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Ingredients

For the Cake
• Butter (200 g) – Use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Caster Sugar (200 g) – Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a smooth texture.
• Orange Extract (2 tsp) – Provides that essential orange flavor; quality matters for the best taste.
• Eggs (4, large) – Essential for binding and moisture; ensure they are at room temperature.
• Milk (1 tbsp) – Adds extra moisture; can be swapped for dairy-free milk as needed.
• Self-Raising Flour (175 g) – Gives the cake structure; plain flour can work with added baking powder.
• Cocoa Powder (25 g) – Deepens the chocolate flavor, complementing the orange beautifully.
• Baking Powder (¼ tsp) – Necessary if using plain flour instead of self-raising.
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange (½, chopped, optional) – Adds chunks of delightful chocolate orange; substitute with another flavor for dietary needs.

For the Buttercream
• Butter (150 g) – Creates a rich, creamy texture for the frosting.
• Icing Sugar (275 g) – Sweetens the buttercream; sift it to avoid lumps.
• Cocoa Powder (25 g) – Enhances the chocolate flavor in the buttercream.
• Orange Extract (1 tsp) – Essential for adding flavor; avoid juice to prevent thinning the frosting.
• Milk (1-2 tbsp) – Adjust as needed for the ideal consistency of your buttercream.

For Decoration
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces – Use remaining pieces for topping, and consider adding orange sprinkles for a fun touch.

This delightful Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast with its vibrant decoration!

How to Make Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

Preheat your oven to 160°C Fan / 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Cream together the butter and caster sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add the orange extract, eggs, and milk to the creamed mixture. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Sift in the self-raising flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gently mix until all ingredients are incorporated and the batter is free of lumps.
Fold in the chopped Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces, if you’re using them, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the buttercream by beating together the butter, sifted icing sugar, and cocoa powder in a bowl until well combined. Mix in the orange extract and milk until you achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency.
Decorate the cooled cake by piping or spreading the buttercream on top. Finish by topping with remaining Terry’s Chocolate Orange pieces and orange sprinkles for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and adapt this recipe to suit your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free self-raising flour; add 1 + ¾ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp xanthan gum for a better texture.
Gluten-free options can often lack the same lift, but this swap keeps things airy and delicious.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and replace milk with almond or oat milk for a similar creaminess.
This makes the cake just as indulgent while being friendly to those avoiding dairy!
Minty Fresh: Swap orange extract for peppermint extract for a festive and vibrant twist on the classic.
Feel the joy of a refreshing flavor boost that adds a surprise element to each bite!
Chocolate Chunk Delight: Replace Terry’s Chocolate Orange with any high-quality dark chocolate chopped into chunks for rich flavor.
Mixing different types of chocolate bubbles with the zesty orange for a decadent experience.
Citrus Medley: Add the zest of one lemon along with the orange extract for a bright, citrusy burst.
This creates a symphony of flavors that sing together, making your cake even more exciting.
Mini Loaves: Use mini loaf pans for adorable, individual serving sizes; reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
Perfect for sharing, these bite-sized cakes invite joy and make for delightful gifts too!
Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for an intriguing warmth.
The scent of warm spices intertwines beautifully with the chocolate and orange, creating comfort with each bite.
Nutty Surprise: Fold in some roughly chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor.
The crunch is a delightful counterpart to the velvety cake, elevating the overall eating experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in the refrigerator (this keeps everything fresh and prevents browning). Additionally, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, in a cool place for up to 3 days; just make sure it’s completely cooled to maintain its moisture. When you’re ready to serve, simply whip up the buttercream and frost the cooled cake for delightful, homemade goodness that tastes just as fresh as the day it was baked!

What to Serve with Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake?

Imagine a delightful afternoon gathering where each bite of this cake is joined by complementary treats that elevate your senses!

Fresh Berries: The juicy sweetness of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a luscious coolness, beautifully balancing the warmth of the chocolate and orange.
Rich Coffee: Enjoy your cake with a cup of robust coffee; the bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the loaf.
Citrus Salad: A bright, zesty citrus salad with segments of orange and grapefruit adds a fresh element that enhances the orange flavor in the cake.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle a silky chocolate ganache over a slice to intensify the chocolate flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.
Earl Grey Tea: Sipping on a fragrant Earl Grey tea brings out the cake’s orange notes while creating a comforting atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Pairing these treats with your Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake ensures a delightful experience that will leave everyone wanting more!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture.

Fridge: If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: Wrap slices of the Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake tightly in cling film, then place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a delightful, warm treat.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; this ensures they mix well and create a fluffy texture in your Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake.
Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so consider investing in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking. This helps prevent undercooking or overbaking your cake.
Mind the Mixing: Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this can lead to a dense loaf instead of the soft crumb you desire.
Gluten-Free Goodness: For a gluten-free version, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and consider adding xanthan gum for a better texture.
Fresh Orange Zest: If you want extra citrusy flavor, consider adding the zest of one orange to the batter; it enhances the orange essence beautifully.

Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of oranges should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For optimal flavor, use fresh oranges to extract zest or high-quality orange extract. Freshly grated zest from one orange can elevate the flavor profile tremendously, giving a vibrant and fresh taste to your Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake.

How should I store my Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake?
To keep your cake moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for about 5 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors!

Can I freeze Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake?
Yes! For freezing, wrap slices of your Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake tightly in cling film, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, delicious treat.

What can I do if my cake turns out dense?
If your loaf cake turns out dense, it may have been overmixed after adding the flour, or your oven temperature might have been off. To prevent this, mix gently after adding dry ingredients and make sure your oven is calibrated correctly. Always check for doneness with a skewer; it should come out clean to ensure a light, tender crumb.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! This Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free self-raising flour blend, and for a dairy-free option, simply substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Feel free to replace Terry’s Chocolate Orange with any suitable dairy-free chocolate option to ensure everyone can indulge!

Can I add extra chocolate to my loaf cake?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add 50g of dark chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for an extra chocolatey flavor. Just fold them in at the end, and you’ll have an even richer Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake that satisfies any chocolate lover’s cravings!