Jamie Oliver Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Orange Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate and zesty orange in a way that’s nothing short of magical. Imagine the deep, slightly bitter notes of good-quality chocolate, perfectly balanced with the fresh, vibrant citrusy punch of orange. The cake itself is moist, tender and dense, thanks to the use of melted chocolate and the bright zing of orange zest. It’s got a luxurious feel but it’s still totally achievable for even beginner bakers. Topped with a simple chocolate glaze or ganache, it’s the kind of cake that makes any occasion feel like a celebration.

Jamie Oliver Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create this indulgent treat, here’s what you’ll need:

• Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): This is the base of the cake. The higher the cocoa content, the more intense the chocolate flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
• Sugar: A balance of sweetness to offset the bitterness of the dark chocolate. You can use caster sugar for a finer texture.
• Eggs: These are essential for binding the ingredients and giving the cake its structure.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this cake, giving it a good crumb without being too dense.
• Baking Powder: To ensure the cake rises and stays light despite the rich ingredients.
• Orange Zest: The zest is key to getting that lovely orange flavor throughout the cake.
• Orange Juice: This boosts the citrusy essence, especially when paired with the zest.
• Salt: Just a pinch to elevate the flavors and balance out the sweetness.
• For the Ganache (optional but highly recommended!): Heavy cream and more dark chocolate.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy for this cake but here are the essentials:

• Mixing Bowls: A couple of large ones will work fine to mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining.
• Electric Mixer (optional): While a whisk or hand beater works, using an electric mixer can make the process quicker and easier, especially when whipping the butter and sugar together.
• Cake Tin: A 9-inch round cake tin works well. You can line it with parchment paper or grease it with butter to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
• Saucepan: To melt the chocolate and butter together.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and stirring in the ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: After baking, you’ll want to let your cake cool on a rack so it doesn’t get soggy on the bottom.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Orange Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it heats up, line your cake tin with parchment paper or grease it.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter: Chop the dark chocolate into small chunks, then melt it with butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or you can do it in short bursts in the microwave. Stir occasionally until smooth and glossy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. If you’re using an electric mixer, it’ll only take a few minutes. This step is key for a soft, airy cake texture.
5. Add the Eggs and Zest: Crack the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the orange zest and juice. This is when you really start to get the smell of that citrusy goodness!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the batter.
7. Incorporate the Melted Chocolate: Now, pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Gently fold it into the batter. You should have a glossy, rich-looking batter at this point.
8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Keep an eye on it because oven temperatures can vary.
9. Cool the Cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
10. Make the Ganache (optional): While the cake cools, melt together some more chocolate and heavy cream to make the ganache. Pour it over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides for that perfectly glossy finish.

What I Learnt

Baking this cake really reinforced how important quality ingredients are, especially when it comes to chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the better the flavor. Also, the balance of orange to chocolate is key. don’t skimp on the zest or juice as it gives the cake that distinct, refreshing citrusy pop that contrasts beautifully with the deep richness of the chocolate.

One thing I found is that you don’t have to be precise with the timing as long as you keep an eye on the cake. The texture can vary based on oven heat but it’ll still be delicious whether it’s slightly gooey in the center or perfectly set.

Also, the ganache is a game changer. While the cake on its own is great, the ganache adds an indulgent layer that takes the flavor up a notch.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Orange Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Orange Cake is a classic but there’s always room for some fun tweaks. If you’re feeling creative in the kitchen, try these adjustments to make the cake your own.

1. Adding a Touch of Spice: Spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of chili powder. The combination of chocolate, orange and a little heat can be surprisingly delightful, giving your cake a unique kick.
2. Swapping the Chocolate: Jamie uses dark chocolate but you could mix it up. Try using milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste or even white chocolate if you’re in the mood for something more decadent. A blend of dark and milk chocolate also works wonders.
3. Boosting the Orange Flavor: If you’re an orange lover, amp up the citrus! Add a bit of orange zest into the batter or even a splash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the cake. It enhances the orange flavor without being overwhelming.
4. Adding Nuts or Candied Peel: For a bit of texture, throw in some chopped pistachios, hazelnuts or even some candied orange peel. The crunchy nuts balance out the softness of the cake and the peel gives an extra citrus burst.
5. Healthier Option: If you’re watching calories or want to make a lighter version, you could swap part of the butter for Greek yogurt or use a blend of whole wheat and regular flour. The texture might change slightly but it still stays delicious.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers of this cake? Lucky you! Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it for days.

1. Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat the cake within a couple of days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll keep moist and the flavors will continue to meld together. Just be sure to keep it covered to avoid it drying out.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, pop the cake in the fridge. The cold air might dry it out a bit but wrapping it well in plastic wrap or foil will help preserve its moisture. If you’ve topped the cake with icing or frosting, refrigerating will help the decoration last.
3. Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers or made a double batch, freeze the cake. Slice it first to make it easier to pull out just what you need. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it on the counter for a few hours. It’ll still taste fresh.
4. Reviving Leftovers: If your leftovers have become a little too firm, you can bring them back to life by gently warming them in the microwave for a few seconds or heating them up in the oven at low heat for 5-10 minutes. A little bit of melted butter brushed over the top can also help revive moisture.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Orange Cake?

This cake is pretty indulgent on its own but pairing it with something can take it to another level. Here are some ideas:

1. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or even orange sorbet would pair wonderfully. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich, warm cake. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream with a hint of orange zest can do wonders.
2. Fresh Fruit: A light, fruity salad can balance out the richness. Try a mix of berries-strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. and toss them with a bit of lime juice or honey. The freshness of the fruit cuts through the cake’s dense sweetness.
3. Coffee or Espresso: The deep, roasted notes of coffee are the perfect match for chocolate desserts. A strong cup of black coffee or a shot of espresso is a great way to highlight the cake’s flavors. You could also enjoy it with a cappuccino or flat white if you prefer milk.
4. Chocolate Sauce: For the ultimate chocolate experience, serve the cake with some extra dark chocolate sauce or ganache drizzled over the top. The more chocolate, the better, right?
5. Liqueurs: If you’re hosting a gathering, why not elevate things with a little boozy pairing? A glass of port or a rich liqueur like Baileys or Amaretto will complement the chocolate-orange flavors and add a bit of warmth.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Orange Cake So Special?

The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange gives it a unique flavor balance. The cake is moist, and the chocolate ganache adds an extra indulgent touch.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Chocolate For This Cake?

Yes! You can swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate, but it will slightly change the flavor profile, making it sweeter or less intense.

How Do I Make The Chocolate Orange Ganache For The Cake?

To make the ganache, heat cream until it’s just simmering, then pour it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then add a bit of orange zest or juice to bring out the citrus flavor.