July 1st: Chocolate Orange Drizzle Loaf Cake

When you “surf” the web in search of wonderful foodie sites, you come across some of the most interesting challenges, giveaways, bake offs, and cook offs.  At least to a bake-a-holic, this exercise is thrilling.   On one of my “surfing” days, I came across the blog “Sweet and Simple Bakes“.  These two ladies offer a recipe every month for anyone and everyone to bake and present the result in a blog post. But you certainly don’t have to have a blog. You can bake along with the group just because you enjoy baking and still send in your photos.

For July 1st, Rosie and Maria chose Chocolate Orange Drizzle Loaf Cake.  Please click on this link for the recipe.   I used unsalted butter plus 2 TBS canola oil since I was 2 TBS short on the butter.  I also added 1/2 tsp baking powder to my flour. 

The batter was unbelievably light and fluffy. 

 

 

 

 

The grated fresh orange was so subtle in this cake. It wasn’t overly orange, just a detectable “hint” on the palette. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I used a spatula to put the batter in the large loaf pan lined on the bottom with parchment paper and sprayed with non-stick baking spray.   The orange syrup was very easy to make, just like I make all my cake washes.  The only difference between my standard sugar-water wash and this orange wash was that it didn’t use water. The wash was 1/2 cup sugar and the juice of an orange which worked out to be just under 1/2 a cup.  I boiled the wash for 3 minutes and let cool while the loaf was baking in a 350 F oven for 40 minutes.

The delicate crumb for a loaf cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The topping was equally easy to make, although I did change it a bit.  I melted 8 sections of this little beauty (double the orange flavor!) and drizzled over the loaf cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a recipe anyone can make and enjoy.  The cake just melts in your mouth. It can’t possibly be bad for you because it makes your tongue so happy and that goes straight to your head.  All those happy, happy feelings in the brain lead to a longer life, right?   Eat cake – it’s good for the brain.

Both Ted and I agreed, this wasn’t too sweet, not too orangey, nothing stood out to take over.  It was just a great all around loaf cake for any occasion.

Great recipe Rosie and Marie.  What’s up for next month. I’m excited!