Introduction

Imagine a delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange coming together in a heavenly dessert – that’s what Chocolate & Orange Punchcake is all about. This recipe is a true celebration of flavors, blending the sweetness of chocolate with the refreshing citrus twist of orange. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this punchcake is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it effortlessly balances the deep, indulgent notes of chocolate with the bright and vibrant essence of orange. Each bite offers a harmonious contrast of flavors that will tantalize your senses and leave you wanting another slice. The marriage of these two classic ingredients creates a dessert that is both comforting and invigorating, perfect for any occasion.

Chocolate & Orange Punchcake also carries a hint of historical significance, as chocolate and orange have been paired together in various traditional desserts for centuries. This timeless combination has stood the test of time, captivating dessert lovers throughout generations. By trying this recipe, you’re not just indulging in a sweet treat but also partaking in a culinary tradition that has spanned cultures and eras.

Get ready to embark on a baking adventure filled with warmth, sweetness, and a touch of citrusy brightness. Let’s dive into the world of Chocolate & Orange Punchcake and discover why this recipe is a must-try for every dessert enthusiast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible charm of Chocolate & Orange Punchcake. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

First and foremost, this punchcake is incredibly easy to make, making it suitable for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The simple yet effective combination of ingredients ensures that you can whip up a delectable dessert in no time, with minimal effort.

Additionally, the fusion of chocolate and orange not only creates a delightful flavor profile but also offers a range of dietary benefits. Orange adds a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants to this dessert, balancing the sweetness of chocolate with a nutritious twist.

Moreover, the versatility of this recipe allows for various creative adaptations. Whether you prefer a lighter version with reduced sugar or want to experiment with different types of chocolate, Chocolate & Orange Punchcake offers ample room for customization to suit your taste preferences.

Indulge in a slice of this punchcake, and you’ll find yourself savoring the perfect blend of textures and tastes, from the moist chocolate sponge to the zesty orange glaze. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Cake

• 1¾ cups all‑purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• ½ cup neutral oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

Orange Punch (Syrup)

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¼ cup water
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of ½ orange
• 1–2 Tbsp orange liqueur (optional)

Chocolate–Orange Glaze

• 1 cup (170 g) dark or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1–2 Tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
• 1–2 Tbsp orange juice
• ½ tsp orange zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13‑inch pan with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Add wet to dry and whisk just until combined.
5. Stir in hot coffee/water until the batter is smooth and thin.
6. Pour into the pan and bake 28–35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 2: Cook the Orange Punch

1. While the cake bakes, combine orange juice, water, sugar, and zest in a small pot.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves; cook 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat; stir in orange liqueur if using. Let cool slightly (still pourable).

Step 3: “Punch” and Soak

1. Let the baked cake cool about 10–15 minutes.
2. With a skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 2–3 cm apart.
3. Slowly pour the warm orange syrup evenly over the surface, letting it soak in.
4. Cool cake completely.

Step 4: Chocolate–Orange Glaze

1. Put chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat cream until steaming (just below a boil), then pour over chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes.
3. Add butter, orange juice, and zest, then whisk until smooth and glossy. If too thick, add a tiny splash of cream or juice; if too thin, let it stand a few minutes to thicken.
4. Pour over the cooled, soaked cake, tilting the pan to spread, or use an offset spatula for an even layer.

Step 5: Set and Serve

• Let the glaze set at room temperature or in the fridge for at least 30–60 minutes.
• Slice into squares and garnish with extra orange zest curls or thin orange slices if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Stronger orange: add extra zest to batter and glaze, or a few drops of orange extract.
• Lighter cake: swap half the oil for unsweetened applesauce.
• Fancy look: pipe whipped cream rosettes and top each slice with a chocolate shard or candied orange slice.

If you tell me your pan size and how strong you like the orange flavor, I can adjust the quantities for you.

Chocolate & Orange Punchcake

Recipe by Author

A delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the refreshing citrus twist of orange, creating a harmonious and flavorful treat that is both comforting and invigorating.

Course: Dessert Cuisine: International Difficulty: medium

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4.5 from 60 votes

Pin Print

🍽️

Servings

8

⏱️

Prep time

20

minutes

🔥

Cooking time

40

minutes

📊

Calories

280

kcal

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, vegetable oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
4. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan.
7. Serve slices of the Chocolate & Orange Punchcake topped with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of orange glaze.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 280

Fat: 10

Carbohydrates: 45

Protein: 4

Sodium: 200

Fiber: 2

Sugar: 25