Orange Cake with Chocolate Chips

Description:

This Orange Cake with Chocolate Chips is a refreshing yet indulgent treat that blends the bright, zesty flavor of fresh oranges with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips. The result is a light, moist cake that has a perfect balance of citrus and chocolate in every bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a special dessert for a celebration.

Origin:

Orange cakes are popular in many cultures for their fresh and vibrant citrus flavor, often combined with different types of fillings or toppings. Adding chocolate chips to this cake creates a delightful contrast, making this cake a beloved twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips)

For the Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Additional chocolate chips or orange zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch square baking dish.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • Slowly add the orange juice and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. The batter will be slightly thinner due to the orange juice and sour cream.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
   • Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter with a spatula until evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. (Keep an eye on it toward the end, as ovens vary.)
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Topping:
   • Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
   • You can also sprinkle additional chocolate chips or orange zest on top for extra flair.
10. Serve:

• Slice and serve this moist, flavorful cake with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the sweet and citrusy delight!

Tips for Success:

• Juicy Oranges: Use fresh, juicy oranges for the best flavor in both the juice and zest. The zest is especially important for that strong citrus aroma and flavor.
• Sour Cream/Yogurt: Both sour cream and Greek yogurt add moisture and tenderness to the cake, so feel free to use either depending on what you have on hand.
• Chocolate Chip Variations: You can swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even dark chocolate if you prefer a different balance of sweetness.

Recommendations:

• Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Serve with a chilled glass of orange juice or a warm cup of herbal tea for a balanced treat.

Nutrition (per slice, assuming 10 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Vitamin A: 8%
• Vitamin C: 25%
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 10%

This Orange Cake with Chocolate Chips is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the best of citrus and chocolate in one delicious slice. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply craving a fresh, flavorful treat. Enjoy!