November is a pretty busy month for our family with regards to celebrating birthdays and my wedding anniversary. So on the weekend, I made this chocolate orange bundt cake to share with everyone. It was a dense and tasty cake. A slice of this delicious treat with swirled chocolate in the middle was a beauty to behold. I never thought that orange and chocolate together would be this good. Indulge!
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Bundt Cake
Baking a bundt cake might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help ensure your chocolate orange bundt cake turns out perfectly every time. First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more evenly, which is crucial for achieving that dense yet moist texture. Another key tip is to properly grease your bundt pan. Use a combination of butter and a dusting of flour, or opt for a non-stick baking spray specifically designed for bundt pans. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a beautiful release. When it comes to mixing, don’t overdo it. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tougher cake. Lastly, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving your chocolate orange bundt cake can be as fun as baking it. One of the simplest ways to enjoy this cake is to serve it as is, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. This keeps the focus on the rich flavors of chocolate and orange. For a more decadent option, consider drizzling a homemade chocolate ganache over the top. Just melt some chocolate with a touch of cream and pour it over the cooled cake for a glossy finish. Pairing the cake with fresh berries adds a nice contrast to the richness. Raspberries or strawberries work particularly well. If you want to take it a step further, serving slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream creates a delightful dessert experience. For beverages, a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine complements the flavors beautifully. This cake is perfect for celebrations or casual family gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Using oil instead of butter will change the texture of the cake. Butter provides a rich flavor and helps achieve that dense, moist texture, so stick with butter for the best results.
How should I store leftover bundt cake?
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Making the cake a day in advance is a great idea since it allows the flavors to meld together. Just make sure to store it properly, and it will be just as delicious when you’re ready to serve.
What can I pair with this chocolate orange bundt cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar also adds a nice touch.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making this cake?
One common mistake is over-mixing the batter, which can lead to a tougher cake. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and properly greasing the bundt pan is crucial to avoid sticking.
Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 tbsp finely grated orange rind
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur or orange juice
- Icing sugar optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325°F. Melt chocolate chips in medium bowl in microwave, or in bowl over boiling water, until just beginning to lose their shape. Stir until smooth; set aside.
- In large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until creamy. Beat in vanilla and orange rind.
- In large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Beat flour mixture into butter mixture alternately with orange juice and liqueur; beat until smooth. Spread 2 cups of the batter in greased and floured 12 cup Bundt pan.
- Stir 2 cups of the batter into melted chocolate until well combined; spread over batter in pan. Spread remaining batter over chocolate batter.
- Bake 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Baking time may vary, depending on the oven. Let cool in pan, on rack, 15 minutes. Gently loosen cake from edge and centre of pan; invert onto rack. Cool completely before slicing. Dust top with icing sugar if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m making this amazing cake once again. Everyone loves it. Is it ok to use salted butter for this cake 🍰 or id it a faux pas?
Hi Marsha,
You can use salted butter for this recipe, just reduce the salt from 1/2 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon.