The Ultimate Ina Garten Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe for Bakers

Decadent chocolate orange cake stands as a pinnacle of sweet indulgence that merges rich cocoa with bright citrus notes.

Garten’s signature dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Layers of deep chocolate intertwine with zesty orange essence, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Each slice promises a sophisticated blend of intense chocolate and refreshing citrus undertones.

The recipe combines classic baking techniques with unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Carefully selected ingredients elevate this cake from simple dessert to a memorable gastronomic moment.

Complex yet approachable, this cake represents the perfect intersection of comfort and elegance: dive in and savor every bite.

Why Ina Garten Chocolate Orange Cake Is a Flavor Bomb

• Burst with Citrusy Chocolate Magic: This cake delivers an unexpected flavor explosion where rich chocolate meets bright, zesty orange, creating a taste combination that dances on your tongue and surprises your senses.
• Quick and Easy Baking Delight: Whip up this cake in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or craving an afternoon treat, this cake works beautifully as an elegant dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated with its unique flavor profile.
• Moist and Tender Texture Wonder: The careful balance of ingredients ensures a cake that's incredibly soft, moist, and tender, with a rich chocolate base complemented by the fresh, tangy notes of orange zest that keep every bite interesting and light.

Ingredients for a Citrusy Chocolate Orange Masterpiece

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the chocolate cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents to help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft texture.

• Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients and contribute to cake's rich texture.
• Milk, Vinegar: Create a buttermilk-like mixture for tenderness.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright citrus flavor and aromatic notes.

• Softened Butter: Creates creamy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Infuse citrus flavor into the frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate depth to the frosting.

Bake Ina’s Cake for the Ultimate Sweet Duo

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease an 8-inch square or round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar

Cream ingredients together for about 1 minute until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Whole egg
• Extra egg yolk
• Fresh orange zest

Combine thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gently sprinkle over wet mixture and beat briefly to start blending.

Step 5: Activate Liquid Components

Stir milk and vinegar together in a separate cup. Pour into cake batter and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes in preheated oven.

Step 7: Check Cake Doneness

Insert a toothpick into cake center. If it comes out clean, cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Remove cake from oven and let cool entirely on a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare Decadent Frosting

• Softened butter
• Orange zest
• Orange juice
• Cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost And Garnish

Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Optional: Sprinkle additional orange zest on top for extra zing.

Serve and enjoy your homemade Chocolate Orange Cake!

Tips for Moist and Fragrant Chocolate Orange Cake

• Zest with Care: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract only the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Chocolate Quality Matters: Select high-quality dark cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the orange notes.
• Baking Precision: Measure ingredients exactly and use room temperature eggs to help the batter emulsify smoothly and create a tender crumb.
• Cooling Technique: Place the cake on a wire rack to cool evenly, allowing air circulation that prevents soggy bottoms and promotes perfect texture.
• Frosting Pro Tip: Chill the cake briefly before adding the final chocolate orange frosting to create a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Storing Ina’s Cake While Keeping It Fresh

• Airtight Container Method: Seal cooled cake layers in heavy-duty plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Separate cake layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve moisture. Place containers in refrigerator's coolest section for maximum freshness.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Carefully wrap individual cake slices or entire cake in double layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label package with date and contents. Store flat in freezer to maintain structural integrity. Consume within 3 months for optimal taste and texture.
• Counter Storage Method: Keep unfrosted cake layers at room temperature on a cake stand with a protective dome. Cover loosely with clean kitchen towel to prevent dust. Consume within 2-3 days for best flavor and soft crumb. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that might dry out cake.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Orange Heaven

• Citrus Chocolate Sensation: Replace orange zest with lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the rich chocolate base. Enhance the cake's zestiness by adding fresh lemon juice to the frosting for extra citrusy punch.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Kick: Incorporate strong brewed espresso into the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor. Swap part of the milk with coffee and add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to create a deep, mocha-inspired cake that coffee lovers will adore.
• Nutty Chocolate Orange Indulgence: Fold chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the batter for added texture and nutty complexity. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the frosting to create a crunchy, sophisticated finishing touch that elevates the cake's overall character.
• Spiced Chocolate Orange Warmth: Mix in ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a subtle warming effect. This variation adds depth and complexity, creating a sophisticated dessert with a gentle heat that lingers after each bite.

A Chocolatey Citrus Farewell

Chocolate orange cake emerges as pure culinary magic from Ina Garten’s brilliant recipe collection.

Rich chocolate notes dance with zesty orange undertones, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert promises pure indulgence with each delectable slice.

Kitchen adventures reach new heights through this simple yet elegant dish.

Bakers seeking memorable experiences will find themselves utterly charmed by its delightful complexity.

Dive into this sensational recipe – share the deliciousness, spread sweet moments, tag passionate friends, and spark culinary conversations that celebrate delectable connections!

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon apple cake delivers pure comfort with sweet orchard flavors and warm spices. Rustic charm meets delightful dessert, promising a slice of pure happiness that connects family and tradition in one delectable moment.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups chopped apples (peeled, approximately 2 medium apples)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Sweeteners and Fats:

• ¼ cup softened butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until uniformly combined.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter-sugar blend, using low-speed mixing to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Carefully integrate chopped apples and walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any wet batter.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
10. Gently remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice into wedges and serve, optionally accompanying with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.

Notes

• Gathering ingredients beforehand ensures smooth cake preparation and reduces kitchen stress.
• Softening butter at room temperature helps create a light, airy cake texture with perfect consistency.
• Chopping apples into uniform small pieces guarantees even distribution and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Using dark brown sugar adds deeper caramel undertones that complement the cinnamon and apple beautifully.
• Checking cake doneness with a toothpick prevents potential overbaking and maintains moisture in the final product.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg