Blood Orange Chocolate Cake

Introduction

This blood orange chocolate cake combines rich chocolate with the unique flavor of blood oranges, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The cake is moist and flavorful, thanks to a blend of olive oil, coffee, and fresh blood orange juice. Topped with a creamy frosting and a decadent chocolate glaze, this cake is sure to impress. Below is a detailed and professional recipe with all necessary instructions, nutritional information, and tips for perfection.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mild olive oil
  • 3/4 cup brewed coffee
  • Juice of 3-4 blood oranges (approx. 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup oat milk or almond milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 cup regular sugar or additional coconut sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp pink salt
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Frosting:

  • 1 can coconut cream
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • 3 oz melted dark chocolate
  • 1 tsp vanilla powder
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder

For Glaze:

  • 3 oz dark chocolate
  • 2 tsp coconut oil

Method

1. Preheat and Prepare:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

  • In a bowl, combine the olive oil, brewed coffee, blood orange juice, and oat or almond milk. Stir until well blended.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In another bowl, sift together the coconut sugar, regular sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, pink salt, and orange zest. Stir to combine.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to combine until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense.

5. Bake the Cake:

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

6. Prepare the Frosting:

  • In a bowl, combine the coconut cream, ripe avocado, icing sugar, melted dark chocolate, vanilla powder, and cocoa powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

7. Cool and Frost the Cake:

  • Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack. Once cooled, remove them from the pans and frost with the prepared frosting.

8. Prepare the Glaze:

  • Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together using a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the frosted cake.

9. Serving:

  • Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18-22g
    • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (vegan)
  • Sodium: 150-200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45-50g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4-6g
    • Sugars: 30-35g
  • Protein: 4-6g

Conclusion and Tips

This blood orange chocolate cake is a stunning and flavorful dessert that balances the deep, rich taste of chocolate with the bright, citrusy notes of blood oranges. The use of olive oil and coffee in the batter adds moisture and depth, while the avocado in the frosting provides a creamy texture without dairy. The chocolate glaze adds an extra layer of decadence.

Tips:

  1. Orange Zest: Freshly zest the oranges just before adding to the batter for the best flavor.
  2. Alternative Sweeteners: Feel free to adjust the type and amount of sugar according to your dietary needs.
  3. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy this unique and delicious cake, perfect for any celebration or a special treat!