- Orange Juice (150ml) - natural, for a burst of flavor
- Unsalted Butter (200g), softened
- Granulated Sugar (400g) – for sweetness and texture
- All-Purpose Flour (600g) – for structure
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) - enhances the chocolate flavor
- Eggs (3 large), room temperature
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (150g) – for a richer, melt-in-your-mouth texture
*Note: Using organic ingredients can enhance the taste and ensure you're working with high-quality products. Adding fresh orange zest and juice will give your loaf an extra layer of citrusy flavor.*
Looking to add a unique twist to your chocolate cake recipe? Try this delectable Chocolate Pistachio Orange Loaf Cake! This recipe combines the rich, velvety texture of chocolate with the refreshing notes of orange and the nutty crunch of pistachios. Perfect for any special occasion or just as a delightful treat at home.
#### Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
2. **Dry Ingredients:**
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk until well combined.
3. **Wet Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in the orange zest and juice, eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract. Mix well after each addition.
4. **Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:**
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while continuously mixing.
- Stir in 75% of the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
5. **Adding Pistachios:**
- Fold in the chopped pistachios gently into the batter.
6. **Baking:**
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cooling:**
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Finishing Touches:**
- Once cooled, sprinkle the remaining 5% of chocolate chips over the top.
- Optionally, you can garnish with additional chopped pistachios or a drizzle of orange glaze for extra flavor.
#### Tips and Variations
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Experiment with different types of citrus like lemon or lime to vary the zest.
- Add a tablespoon of orange extract if you prefer a stronger orange taste.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy this delightful Chocolate Pistachio Orange Loaf Cake as a special treat or share it with friends and family. The combination of chocolate, orange, and pistachios makes for an unforgettable dessert experience! Don't forget to tag us on social media using #ChocolatePistachioOrangeLoaf when you try this recipe!