Orange Chocolate Chunk Cake

Instructions

Make the orange chocolate cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing after each addition. Then stir in the orange zest.

In another bowl, sift together 3 cups flour, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the orange juice, buttermilk, and vanilla.

Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately in thirds to the creamed butter, beginning and ending with the flour. Toss the chocolate chunks with 2 tablespoons flour and add to the batter. Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the surface.

Bake the the cake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Make the orange syrup

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, cook the sugar with the orange juice until the sugar dissolves. Remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack placed on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon or brush the orange syrup over the cake. Let the cake cool completely.

Make the ganache (optional)

If making the ganache, melt the chocolate, heavy cream, and coffee in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until smooth and warm, stirring occasionally. Drizzle over the top of the cake.

Serve the cake

Slice and serve the cake.

Dessert