Dark Chocolate Apple-Orange Cake
A moist, flavorful cake combining dark chocolate, fresh apple, and orange zest & juice. Sweetened lightly with sugar or honey, and rich in natural flavors. Perfect as a dessert or afternoon treat.
🕒 Time Required
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 35–40 minutes
Total: ~60 minutes
📝 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
½ cup almond flour (optional, for richness)
¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
½ cup olive oil (or neutral oil)
½ cup sugar or honey
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Fruit
1 medium apple, peeled & finely chopped or grated
Optional Add-ins
½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
2 tbsp chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Grease or line an 8-inch round cake pan
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda & salt in a bowl
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients
Whisk olive oil, sugar (or honey), eggs, vanilla, orange juice & zest in a separate bowl
4️⃣ Combine
Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth
Gently fold in apple pieces and chocolate chips/nuts
5️⃣ Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan
Bake 35–40 minutes (check with toothpick — it should come out clean)
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack
6️⃣ Serve
Dust with cocoa or powdered sugar, or drizzle with melted dark chocolate
Slice and enjoy with tea or coffee
💡 Tips
Use a tart apple (Granny Smith or Fuji) for better flavor
Orange zest is key for the Mediterranean vibe
Can drizzle a light orange glaze: ¼ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp orange juice
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Yes — replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water)
Q: Can I store it?
Keeps 3–4 days at room temperature in an airtight container
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, slice and freeze for up to 1 month
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 290 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbs: 32 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 4 g