Chocolate Orange Reindeer Delight (Print-Friendly Recipe)
Rich chocolate and fresh orange layers combined with creamy frosting and festive decoration.
# Ingredients List:
→ Chocolate Orange Sponge
01 -
1 1/2 cups granulated white or golden caster sugar
02 -
2 cups self-raising flour
03 -
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 -
7/8 cup vegetable or sunflower oil
05 -
1/2 cup whole milk
06 -
3 large eggs, room temperature
07 -
1 large orange, zest and juice
→ Chocolate Orange Buttercream
08 -
3.5 oz Dairy Milk Chocolate Orange, chopped
09 -
3.5 oz salted butter, room temperature
10 -
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
11 -
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
12 -
1 tablespoon boiling water
→ Reindeer Decoration
13 -
7 Dairy Milk Chocolate Orange buttons
14 -
7 red Smarties
15 -
7 pretzels
16 -
14 edible eyes
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 320°F fan or 356°F conventional. Grease and line a cake tin with baking paper. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cocoa powder. Stir in the oil, milk, and beaten eggs until smooth. Grate the orange zest into the mixture, then squeeze in the juice and mix to incorporate. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 45-50 minutes until risen and springy to the touch. Cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
02 -
Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave for 60 seconds or until smooth; stir and set aside to cool. Beat the butter until light and fluffy, then sift in the icing sugar and continue beating until smooth. Fold in the cooled melted chocolate. Add the cocoa powder and boiling water and fold until the buttercream is creamy and glossy.
03 -
Spread the buttercream evenly over the cooled sponge for a smooth finish. Arrange the chocolate buttons in a circle at the center, securing red Smarties on top with small dabs of buttercream. Position edible eyes above the buttons. Break pretzels into antler shapes and place them above the eyes to complete the reindeer decoration.
# Extra Information:
01 -
Use room temperature eggs for better emulsion and incorporate orange zest and juice freshly for optimal flavor.