If you’re looking to bring a spark of joy and festivity to your holiday table, this Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Bursting with rich chocolate, zesty oranges, and warming spices, each bite feels like a cozy hug wrapped in holiday magic. It’s the kind of cake that effortlessly combines classic Christmas flavors with a decadent twist, perfect for sharing with loved ones and making memories around the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role. From the velvety smoothness of softened unsalted butter to the bright zing of fresh orange zest, every element works together to create a cake that’s moist, tender, and deeply flavorful.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps the cake tender.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and moistness to the batter.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Infuses fresh citrus flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
- Zest of 2 oranges: Delivers fragrant, bright notes that enhance the chocolate’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Brings that intense chocolate depth and adds a lovely color.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The cake’s structure, providing perfect stability.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the cake for a soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise evenly and enhances texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Contributes subtle, sweet earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Gives a festive aromatic hint without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips: Melts slightly for pockets of gooey chocolate delight.
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel: Offers chewy bursts of citrus sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a crunchy, nutty contrast that complements the cake’s softness.
- Powdered sugar for dusting or chocolate glaze (optional): For that final festive flourish and extra indulgence.
How to Make Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for baking this cake evenly without drying it out. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out cleanly and with an even base.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so they fully emulsify into the butter mixture. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, which bring the bright, festive character that defines this recipe.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices form the heart of the Christmas flavor profile, blending beautifully with the chocolate and orange.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, gently stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so take care to fold in the ingredients thoughtfully.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate, Candied Peel, and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate or chips, candied orange peel, and walnuts or pecans if using. These add texture and bursts of flavor that elevate the whole experience.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean — a sign that it’s perfectly cooked through.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a chocolate glaze for that extra festive shine and sweetness.
How to Serve Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, a simple dusting of powdered sugar lets the cake’s natural beauty shine through while adding a touch of elegance. Alternatively, a glossy chocolate glaze can add decadence and keep it extra moist. A few candied orange slices or chocolate shavings on top provide a festive, eye-catching touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the rich chocolate and spicy notes. If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese offers creamy contrast. A cup of strong coffee or spiced mulled wine are delightful liquid companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this cake into a holiday centerpiece by serving it on a beautiful cake stand surrounded by fresh sprigs of rosemary or pine for a natural festive vibe. For a party, slice the cake into small squares and serve on a platter with mini spoons or cocktail forks, making it easy for guests to nibble and mingle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and deepen. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for the holidays, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To warm up slices, gently reheat them in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or place them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s softness and enhances the gooey chocolate pockets.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the cake sweeter and lighter in flavor. However, dark chocolate balances better with the orange and spices, giving a richer and more sophisticated taste.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.
Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies?
Definitely. The nuts add crunch and flavor, but leaving them out won’t compromise the cake’s moistness or the core taste. You might consider adding extra candied peel or chocolate to keep things interesting.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can prepare this cake up to two days ahead and store it covered at room temperature. This makes it perfect for holiday hosting since the flavors improve even more over time.
What’s the best way to achieve a moist crumb?
Using softened butter and not overmixing the batter are key steps. The orange juice also helps keep the cake moist, and including both baking powder and baking soda ensures a good rise and tender texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to try this Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe for your next holiday celebration. It’s such a joyful baking experience and the resulting cake is a crowd-pleaser full of warmth, flavor, and cheer. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a dessert that brings the spirit of the season to every bite.
Print
Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Festive Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake is a delightful holiday dessert combining rich dark chocolate with zesty orange flavors and warm spices. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, this moist and flavorful cake is enhanced by chunks of chocolate, candied orange peel, and optional nuts, making it a festive treat that tastes even better the day after baking.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting or chocolate glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Orange Flavors and Vanilla: Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, blending evenly throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dried mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips, chopped candied orange peel, and if desired, nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a chocolate glaze to enhance its festive appearance and flavor.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for holiday preparation.
- Store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, ensuring it’s sealed well to prevent drying out.
- Optional nuts can be omitted to accommodate nut allergies or preferences.
