Chocolate and Orange Marble Cake

choc-orange-marble-cake

If you like Jaffa Cakes, this one’s for you. As with all baking, quantities need to be exact to make sure you get perfect results so getting a proper set of measuring spoons is a good idea.

Takes: 1 hour 20 mins
Makes: 8 slices

  • 175g (6oz) caster sugar
  • 175g (6oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 175g (6oz) self-raising flour
  • 1tsp baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 2tsp finely grated orange rind
  • 1tbsp cocoa powder blended with 2tbsp hot water

For the icing

  • 100g (4oz) plain chocolate
  • 15g (1/2oz) butter
  • 1tbsp golden syrup
  • Strips of orange rind

For decoration

  1. Put the sugar, butter, flour, baking powder and eggs in a bowl. Beat with an electric whisk for 3 to 4 mins until pale and creamy.
  2. Transfer half the mixture into a second bowl. Into this mixture, fold the orange juice and rind. Fold the cocoa into the first bowl.
  3. Spoon the two mixtures randomly into a greased, lined 18 x 25cm (7 x 10in) cake tin. Draw a knife through the mixture to create the marble effect.
  4. Bake at Gas 4/180°C/350°F for 35 to 40 mins until firm. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then turn out and cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. For the icing, place the chocolate, butter and syrup in a bowl over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove from the heat, stir until smooth and leave to thicken.