Chocolate Orange Marble Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the bright, zesty notes of orange. This beautiful marble cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious contrast of flavors and a stunning appearance.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup boiling water

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)

Timing

Making Chocolate Orange Marble Cake takes about 20 minutes for preparation, 30-35 minutes for baking, and 30 minutes for cooling and glazing.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Prepare Chocolate Batter: In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder with boiling water until smooth. Fold half of the cake batter into the cocoa mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Marble Cake

1. Layer Batters: Spoon alternating dollops of the vanilla batter and chocolate batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Glaze

1. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough orange juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

1. Drizzle Glaze: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with additional orange zest for garnish.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and orange flavors!

Step 7: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness paired with the refreshing zest of orange!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chocolate Orange Marble Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	3g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	20g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of orange extract for a more intense orange flavor.
• Chocolate Options: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Marble Cake is a delicious and visually appealing dessert that combines the best of both chocolate and orange flavors. Perfect for gatherings or as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress! Enjoy this delightful recipe!