Orange Chocolate Almond Cake Recipe: Discover the secret

There are moments when a slice of cake becomes more than just dessert. As a software engineer passionate about baking, I never imagined that the closure of Prolific Oven, a beloved Bay Area bakery, would lead me on a journey to recreate their legendary Orange Chocolate Almond Cake. This recipe results from countless hours of testing, tweaking, and tasting to capture the essence of a beloved classic.

The Legacy of the Orange Chocolate Almond Cake

After serving the community for 40 years, Prolific Oven closed its doors, taking countless memories and cherished recipes. Among these was what I called “The Cake”—their masterpiece that perfectly balanced orange, almond, and chocolate flavours. Before they closed, I purchased one last cake, carefully preserved it in my freezer, and promised to recreate this magical combination someday.

The Anatomy of the Perfect Orange Chocolate Almond Cake

This extraordinary cake consists of four essential components that harmonize to create an unforgettable dessert:

1. A delicate orange-almond cake layer.
2. A rich chocolate cake layer.
3. A subtle orange cream cheese filling.
4. A decadent chocolate frosting.

Below, we’ll break down each component and provide detailed recipes to help you recreate this classic.

How to Make the Orange Chocolate Almond Cake Layers

The Orange-Almond Layer

Balancing the almond flavour with bright citrus notes is the key to the orange-almond cake layer. Here’s how to achieve that:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ¾ cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sift together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in orange zest and almond extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.

The Chocolate Layer

The chocolate cake layer adds depth and richness to the Orange Chocolate Almond Cake.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee

Instructions:

1. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
4. Mix in sour cream and vanilla.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with hot coffee until combined.

How to Prepare the Orange Chocolate Almond Cake Filling

The Orange Cream Cheese Filling

This filling brings moisture and enhances the orange flavour of the cake.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
3. Mix in orange zest and vanilla extract.
4. Chill until ready to use.

Perfecting the Frosting

The Chocolate Frosting

The frosting ties everything together, providing the final rich, chocolatey layer.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1½ cups unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Beat butter until creamy.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
4. Mix in melted chocolate, vanilla, and salt.
5. Add heavy cream as needed to adjust consistency.

Step-by-Step Assembly of the Orange Chocolate Almond Cake

1. Level both cake layers once completely cooled.
2. Place the orange-almond layer on a serving plate.
3. Spread the orange cream cheese filling evenly across the layer.
4. Add the chocolate layer on top.
5. Apply a thin crumb coat of chocolate frosting and chill for 30 minutes.
6. Finish with the final layer of frosting.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Troubleshooting in this recipe

• Cake layers doming: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F.
• Filling too soft: Chill the filling for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
• Frosting too stiff: Add one tablespoon of heavy cream at a time to adjust consistency.
• Cracking cake layers: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

How to Store and Serve Your Orange Chocolate Almond Cake

1. Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Remove the cake from the fridge 1-2 hours before serving for the best texture.
3. Individual layers can be frozen for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing the fully assembled cake.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Orange Chocolate Almond Cake

1. Use fresh orange zest for the best flavour.
2. Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before baking.
3. Avoid substituting dark chocolate in the frosting to prevent bitterness.
4. Use cake strips around pans for even baking.
5. Spoon and level flour to avoid over-measuring.

A Labor of Love

Recreating the Orange Chocolate Almond Cake was about more than just following a recipe. It was a way to honour the legacy of Prolific Oven and preserve a cherished piece of culinary history. While the bakery may no longer exist, its spirit lives on in kitchens where bakers continue to create joyful memories through carefully crafted desserts.

.For semi-sweet chocolate recommendations:
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate

.For baking tips and techniques:
King Arthur Baking: Baking Tips and Techniques