Description
Indulge in a decadent Orange Zest Caramel Swirl Pecan Chocolate Cake, featuring rich dark chocolate, bright orange zest, luscious homemade caramel, and crunchy toasted pecans. This cake is perfect for special occasions or a delightful self-treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 200g (7oz) Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 50g (1.75oz) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 tsp (5g) Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
- ½ tsp (2.5g) Baking Soda: Aids in leavening.
- ¼ tsp (1.5g) Salt: Enhances flavors.
- 240ml (1 cup) Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness.
- 120ml (½ cup) Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- 2 Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
- 100g (3.5oz) Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds intense chocolate flavor.
- 100g (3.5oz) Toasted Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty flavor.
- 200g (1 cup) Granulated Sugar (for caramel): Base for caramel sauce.
- 60ml (¼ cup) Water (for caramel): Dissolves sugar for caramel.
- 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness to caramel.
- 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and shine to caramel.
- Zest of 1 Orange + 1 tsp Orange Juice: Provides citrus aroma and taste.
- ½ tsp Sea Salt (for caramel): Balances caramel sweetness.
- 150g (5.3oz) Dark Chocolate: Creates a smooth ganache.
- 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream (for ganache): Melts chocolate for ganache.
- 50g (⅓ cup) Pecan Halves: Adds texture to crumble.
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (crumble): Adds caramel sweetness to crumble.
- 1 tsp Melted Butter (crumble): Binds crumble ingredients.
- Orange-zest curls & Pecan pieces: For garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F), grease & flour a 23cm (9-inch) cake pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
- Layer & Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Make Caramel: Cook sugar & water to amber, then whisk in cream, butter, orange zest, juice, & salt.
- Swirl Caramel: Drizzle caramel over batter and swirl.
- Cool & Finish: Cool cake, then frost with ganache and garnish.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake,pecan,caramel,orange,dessert,baking,cake,homemade