A simple chocolate cake, Orangette’s Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze is a delicious dessert recipe. The cake is made with chocolate pieces, cocoa powder and coffee, for an even richer flavor. Topped with a luscious homemade chocolate glaze, this is a perfect cake for any special occasion!
Sometimes you get hit with a craving. It hits you like a freight train. Well, it hits me like a freight train. I’m relaxing with a good book, food blog, or cooking magazine. I see a recipe. I bolt in the kitchen and immediately start to make the recipe. That’s what happened with this cake.
You see, I’ve been reading Molly Wizenberg’s book “A Homemade Life” off and on for over a year now. I usually am reading it in bed before I fall asleep. The cravings just fade away as soon as I close my eyes. I dream of making the lovely recipes and they turn out delicious.
I’ve been spending many hours relaxing this past week outside with the kids while they have been on Spring Break. They’re swimming and I’m still recuperating from my last procedure; all I can do is read. The craving I’ve been fighting was Molly’s chocolate cake from page 44. She makes them into cupcakes but explains you can also make the recipe into an 8 or 9 inch pan. She also explains you could make it into a layer cake. I’m not sure if it would work for me as a layer cake because I’m not the best cake slicer and I would have to cut the slices very thin.
But as a single layer cake, this cake was just delightful! It was every thing it promised.
Molly talks about how coffee enhances the flavor of chocolate. I discovered that little secret a few years back and have been adding espresso to most of my chocolate desserts. This cake is moist and rich. The glaze was just the right amount of decadence. Everyone approved. It smelled intoxicating while it was baking.
My craving was more than satisfied. You must try out this recipe. Molly’s blog was one of the first food blogs I happened across during one of my pregnancies. I had plenty of free time back them and I loved to read her stories and recipes. She inspired me to take the plunge and start my own food blog. I’m looking forward to Molly’s next book!
Orangette’s Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze
1 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup well-stirred, plain, whole-milk yogurt (not low fat or nonfat)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 300 F (150 C). (I baked my cake on 320 F.) I lined a 9 inch cake pan and sprayed the pan and the parchment paper before pouring the batter into it. If you use muffin pans, line them with the cupcake holders.
Put the semisweet chocolate in a medium bowl with hot coffee. Let it stand, stirring occasionally until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips as I was out of semi-sweet chocolate pieces and I used espresso coffee.
In another medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg until it is pale yellow. Add the oil, yogurt, and vanilla, beating well.
Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and beat till it combines thoroughly.
Add all the dry ingredients in three portions and beat on low speed until the batter is just combined. With a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl and briefly stir to make sure all the dry ingredients are absorbed.
This is how the batter will look. Nice and smooth.
Spoon the batter into the lined cake pan and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
If you bake in the muffin tins, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in a cupcake comes out clean.
Glaze:
slightly adapted
8 oz bittersweet (or semi-sweet) chocolate
2 teaspoons light corn syrup
Melt the bittersweet (or semisweet)chocolate in a metal or glass bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. If you find the chocolate too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of water and stir until combined. When the chocolate is completely smooth, it is ready. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup.
Let the cake or cupcakes cool completely before frosting. You could store the cupcakes in an air tight container at room temperature.
Thank you for stopping by today! I know Monday's can be rough...this Chocolate Cake should make you smile and make you DROOL! Don't just drool over it, give it a try!!
Some other cake recipes to try:
- Mini Chocolate-Espresso Bundt Cakes
- Chocolate Yeast Cake with Brown Butter Frosting
- Double Chocolate Cupcakes
Orangette’s Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 oz semisweet chocolate finely chopped
- ½ cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ½ cup well-stirred plain, whole-milk yogurt (not low fat or nonfat)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 F (150 C). (I baked my cake on 320 F.) I lined a 9 inch cake pan and sprayed the pan and the parchment paper before pouring the batter into it. If you use muffin pans, line them with the cupcake holders.
- Put the semisweet chocolate in a medium bowl with hot coffee. Let it stand, stirring occasionally until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips as I was out of semi-sweet chocolate pieces and I used espresso coffee.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg until it is pale yellow. Add the oil, yogurt, and vanilla, beating well.
- Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and beat till it combines thoroughly.
- Add all the dry ingredients in three portions and beat on low speed until the batter is just combined. With a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl and briefly stir to make sure all the dry ingredients are absorbed.
- Spoon the batter into the lined cake pan and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Spoon the batter into the lined cake pan and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Melt the bittersweet (or semisweet)chocolate in a metal or glass bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. If you find the chocolate too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of water and stir until combined. When the chocolate is completely smooth, it is ready. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup.
- Let the cake or cupcakes cool completely before frosting. You could store the cupcakes in an air tight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Elizabeth Ann (Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box says
This looks incredible! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! 🙂 I've voted for you on Babble! Good luck!
Wilde in the Kitchen says
I love a simple, single layer cake. No fuss of cutting layers and crumb coating means less time from oven to mouth! This looks fabulous, so chocolatey!
Maria says
I love simple cakes. This one looks fantastic!
Evan @swEEts says
Looks alright to me 🙂 I love the simplicity of the single layer!
Claudia says
Molly's recipes have been a mainstay in our home - they never disappoint - as evidenced by your delicious recreation.
Roxan says
This cake looks lovely, Lora. I also find that coffee enhances the flavor of chocolate! I have a small container of instant coffee granules that I'll use in my chocolate goods.
Carolyn says
It's such a gorgeous one layer cake, I don't think I would be bothered to slice it either!
The Mom Chef says
I'm a fan of single layer cakes too (simply because I mess up anything more fancy). This looks like something the family would love.
Pegasuslegend says
Oh boy does this sing my name lovely and totally yummy!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
This cake looks terrific! Sometimes nothing beats a homemade chocolate cake!
Shawn says
YUMMY!
Voted for you on Babble.com!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I love that this is a single layer - seems less intimidating than a massive cake to be eaten!
A Thought For Food says
Lora...
I don't know how you do it. Where does all this stuff go? I've seen pictures of you... and you're tiny. So, who is eating all this food?
🙂
-Brian
kita says
I think the best food comes from these have-to-have-right-now cravings! This cake looks wonderful.
Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com says
We big fans of Molly's as well, and this looks just fabulous! I agree a single layer cake is just easier to deal with sometimes and, frankly, there's less to tempt us later!
Molly @ Toffee Bits and Chocolate Chips says
Yum! This looks delicious! Coffee and Chocolate are always good together! Great recipe!
Karen says
I loved that book! This cake recipe definitely stood out...and it looks fantastic here! I'm with you on the not being able to slice evenly...I always end up lopsided.
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Michael Toa says
The cake looks fiercely delicious. You frosted yours so beautifully. I also adore the combination of coffee and chocolate. Yum.
Becky says
Your cake looks so good, and a one layer cake is quicker and easier to frost, so you can eat it sooner, to feed your craving.
Denise says
I also love Orangette's blog & book! This cake looks like such chocolaty (is that a word?) goodness. I bet it's long gone by now. Glad you had a relaxing spring break!!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen
Sandra says
Double Yum!
Sandra says
I hear you about reading before sleeping..I do it often and then dreams come:)) of course food dreams:)
Your cake turned so good and delicious! Love how chocolaty it is!
Lizzy says
Oh, yum...looks like the perfect cake for our family 🙂 Congrats on your nomination...I'll pop over and vote!
Angela@RecipesFromMyMom says
Loved Molly's book and didn't realize she was working on another book so that makes my day. I bet your cake was gone in no time. That's the great thing about a single layer.
Happy When Not Hungry says
What a beautiful chocolate cake! My mouth is watering. Definitely need to grab Orangette's cookbook too!
Jennifer-Adventuresome Kitchen says
You're right-that is easy! That would be super easy to convert to GF too! I'm trying to lay off sweets since I had to give up my gym membership, but this is sorely tempting!!
Pretend Chef says
Looks so delicious! I will need to check out the cookbook because this cake would be perfect for the birthday season upon me. Yummy!
Sanjeeta kk says
Certainly the cake has brightened my week ahead 🙂 Love the gorgeous baked beauty!
Peggy says
That is one incredible-looking cake! I think you've given me the urge to go right into my kitchen and start baking this! =)
Sprinkled with Flour says
I've been looking for a good chocolate cake to make, these one sounds perfect! I love your icing swirls, so perfect:)
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
Oh how I love chocolate cake! I wish I had a giant slice of your cake right now for breakfast. I would even give up my bagel for your cake! 😉
Jamie says
I love simple, one pan chocolate cakes like this and so does my family. Perfect breakfast and snack cake! Coffee does do magic to chocolate cake batter.
Emily Malloy says
I must eat this. Now.
Yuri says
Chocolate makes everything better 😀
Anonymous says
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briarrose says
What a beautiful cake. It rare to see a single layer anymore. 🙂
Lael Hazan @educatedpalate says
Thick and rich and chocolate.... more need not be said 😉
Raina says
I am always craving chocolate cake. It is by far my favorite treat. Yours looks amazing.
I voted for you on Babble:)
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow says
Yum! That cake looks amazing! Good luck on Babble! You deserve it!
Magic of Spice says
Gorgeous cake!
Patty H. says
This looks so good! I can't wait to try it.
Heading over to vote now.....good luck!
A little bit of everything says
Oh how I love homemade chocolate cake, Thanks for sharing Lora, looks amazing.