The best Prolific Oven Chocolate Orange Almond Cake Recipe

Craving a dessert that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make? The Prolific Oven Chocolate Orange Almond Cake Recipe is exactly what you need! This cake combines deep, indulgent chocolate with a burst of citrusy orange and a satisfying crunch from sliced almonds. It’s moist, decadent, and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache.

This Orange Almond Cake Recipe is a perfect balance of flavors, and the Chocolate Cake with Orange twist makes it even more irresistible.

With a quick prep time, it’s perfect for any occasion, big or small. Are you looking for a delightful recipe for Orange Cake, you’ve come to the right place! This one is sure to be a winner! 

If you’ve tried my Mandarin Orange Cake or my Almond Nut Cake. you’ll love this one, it combines the best of both worlds, the bright, zesty citrus flavor of orange and the rich, nutty crunch of almonds.

What exactly Is the Prolific Oven Chocolate Orange Almond Cake Recipe?

The name actually comes from the legendary Prolific Oven bakery, known for its rich, European-style cakes that people couldn’t get enough of.

This recipe brings back that same indulgent flavor, combining chocolate, orange, and almonds in one irresistible bite.

So, why not bake this masterpiece yourself? Who knows—you might just become the most prolific baker in your kitchen! 

Why You’ll Love This Prolific Oven Chocolate Orange Almond Cake Recipe

This cake isn’t just another chocolate dessert, it’s a rich, citrusy, nutty masterpiece that’s sure to impress! Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Deep Chocolate Flavor – Made with cocoa powder and melted chocolate, this cake is decadent, moist, and irresistibly fudgy. Just like my Chocolate Pound Cake! Every bite melts in your mouth.
• Bright Citrus & Nutty Crunch – The combination of fresh orange zest and almond extract gives it a unique twist, while the sliced almonds on top add the perfect crunch.
• A Simple Yet Elegant Treat – Unlike multi-layered cakes, this one-layer beauty is quick and easy to make but still looks and tastes like something from a bakery.

The ingredients you’ll need

• All-Purpose Flour – This is your cake’s foundation! It gives structure and holds everything together. If you want a soft but sturdy texture, this is the way to go.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – For me, this is what makes the cake deeply chocolatey. It blends perfectly with the orange flavor for a rich, indulgent taste. Make sure to use a good-quality cocoa for the best results!
• Baking Powder – You can think of this as your cake’s little helper, making sure it rises just right. It keeps everything light and fluffy!
• Baking Soda – If you love cakes that are soft and tender, this is essential! It reacts with the orange juice to give the perfect lift.
• Salt – A small amount makes a big difference! 
• Butter – This adds richness and moisture. If you want a soft, buttery cake, don’t skip this! You can use salted butter, but I’d reduce the added salt just a little.
• Granulated Sugar – The key to a perfectly sweet cake! It not only adds sweetness but also helps create that soft, delicate crumb we all love.
• Eggs – If you want a cake that holds together beautifully and stays moist, eggs are a must! They help with structure and add richness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Just a small amount adds big flavor! It enhances all the flavors, making everything taste even better.
• Almond Extract – This gives a subtle nutty aroma that pairs so well with chocolate and orange. If you prefer, you can leave it out, but for me, it makes a difference!
• Orange Zest – The secret to that fresh, citrusy burst! 
• Fresh Orange Juice – This isn’t just for flavor—it also makes the cake moist and soft. 
• Whole Milk – This keeps the cake soft and tender. If you want a richer texture, you could swap it for buttermilk, but for me, whole milk works perfectly.

How to Make Your Best prolific oven chocolate orange almond cake recipe​

Ready to bake a rich, citrusy, and nutty chocolate cake? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious homemade treat in no time! Let’s get started.

Prep Your Baking Essentials

Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing. Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake later.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once combined, set the dry ingredients aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.

Add the Eggs & Flavor Boosters

Add the eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each one. Then, pour in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest, and mix everything until well combined. You should already be able to smell the wonderful citrusy aroma!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Start by adding half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mixing on low speed. Then, pour in the fresh orange juice and whole milk, mixing until smooth.

Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix again until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it can make the cake dense.

It’s Time to Bake

Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and evenly smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Let the cake cool Fully.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

While the cake is cooling, prepare the ganache.

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling.

Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy, then add the vanilla extract and mix again.

Decorate with Love

After the cake has fully cooled, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top. Let it gently drip down the sides for that beautiful, decadent look.

Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a delightful crunch. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Your prolific oven chocolate orange almond cake recipe​

Here are a few ideas that balance out the rich, citrusy, and nutty flavors of the cake with refreshing, light, or complementary sides and drinks:

Iced Green Tea with a Slice of Lemon

For a refreshing beverage, an iced green tea with a slice of lemon is a light yet complementary choice.

The tea has a slightly earthy flavor that won’t overpower the cake, while the lemon adds a bright citrus element that echoes the orange flavor in the cake.

Almond or Hazelnut Latte

An almond or hazelnut latte is a perfect drink to complement the cake’s almond flavor.

The nuttiness from the coffee pairs beautifully with the almonds in the cake and adds a warm, creamy element to the dessert. If you like, add a little sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for an extra touch!

Coconut Macaroons

For a nutty, sweet addition, serve coconut macaroons alongside your cake.

The chewy coconut texture and slight sweetness create a wonderful contrast to the moist, rich chocolate cake. The light coconut flavor also complements the almond and orange notes in the cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting on the Side

If you want an extra layer of indulgence, serve a little bowl of cream cheese frosting on the side for dipping.

Panna Cotta with Orange Zest

A smooth panna cotta infused with orange zest can elevate the citrusy notes in the cake while providing a lighter, creamy dessert option alongside.

The richness of the panna cotta contrasts with the cake’s texture, and the orange flavor ties the two together.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your prolific oven chocolate orange almond cake recipe​

1. Don’t Skip the Orange Zest!

Fresh orange zest is key for that burst of citrus flavor. It adds a fragrant, vibrant touch you won’t get from juice alone.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure that your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before combining. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter, fluffier cake. Set them out for about 30 minutes before you start.

3. Avoid Overmixing the Batter

Don’t overmix! Stir the batter just until combined to keep the texture light and airy. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so let the ingredients do their thing without too much fuss.

Alternative versions of the Prolific Oven Chocolate Orange Almond Cake Recipe

One of the best things about the Prolific Oven Chocolate Orange Almond Cake is how easy it is to make it your own.

Here are some exciting variations you might enjoy experimenting with:

1. Gluten-Free Version

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

It won’t change the flavor, and you’ll still get that rich, chocolatey goodness. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients, like the baking powder and extracts, are gluten-free too!

2. Dairy-Free Cake

For a dairy-free version, replace the unsalted butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. You can totally whip up your own almond milk at home super easily!

You can also opt for a dairy-free ganache by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the frosting.

3. Vegan Chocolate Orange Almond Cake

To make this cake vegan, you can replace the eggs with a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes).

Use dairy-free butter and almond milk as well. The texture might change slightly, but the taste will remain just as delightful!

Frequently Asked Questions