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For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps with fluffiness)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 cup coconut milk (or any plant-based milk)
1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
1 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and apple cider vinegar.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. The batter will be slightly thick.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
Heat the coconut milk: In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat until it just starts to simmer (don’t boil it).
Add the chocolate: Remove the pan from the heat and add the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Add sweetness and zest: If desired, stir in the maple syrup or agave syrup for sweetness and orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Cool the ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cake.
Assemble the Cake:
Frost the cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the ganache over the top and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Optional decorations: You can garnish the cake with orange slices or extra zest for a beautiful finish.