How to Make Jaffa Orange Cake: A Deliciously Tangy Treat

The Jaffa Orange Cake: a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, fluffy orange cake, its citrusy sweetness perfectly balanced by a layer of bittersweet dark chocolate ganache. And then, the surprise! A burst of tangy orange jelly hidden within, like a secret treasure waiting to be discovered. This delightful treat, inspired by the classic Jaffa Cakes, is easier to make than you might think. Join me, and together we’ll whip up a Jaffa Orange Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Unveiling the Ingredients

For a cake that serves 8-10 people, you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 225g (2 sticks + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 225g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225g (1 ¾ cups) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp orange juice

For the Orange Jelly:

• 150ml (⅔ cup) orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 75g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp agar-agar powder (or 1 tbsp powdered gelatin + 4 tbsp water)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 150ml (⅔ cup) heavy cream
• 150g (5.3 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped

Tools of the Trade

• 2 x 8-inch round cake tins
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Zester
• Juicer (optional)
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Serrated knife
• Offset spatula (optional)

Baking Our Jaffa Dream: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line the base of your cake tins with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Stir in the orange zest and juice until evenly distributed.

2. Baking the Cake Layers

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Creating the Tangy Orange Jelly

1. While the cakes are baking, make the orange jelly. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar.
2. Sprinkle the agar-agar powder (or bloom the gelatin if using) over the juice mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the agar-agar or gelatin has dissolved completely.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Pour the jelly mixture into a heatproof container and leave it to cool slightly, then place it in the refrigerator to set completely.

4. Whipping Up the Chocolate Ganache

1. Once the cakes are cool, prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
2. Remove the cream from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it stand for a minute to allow the chocolate to melt.
3. Gently stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

5. Assembling the Jaffa Orange Cake

1. Once the orange jelly has set, cut it into small squares or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
2. Level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife to ensure an even layer.
3. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache over it.
4. Arrange the orange jelly pieces on top of the ganache.
5. Spread a thin layer of ganache over the jelly, then carefully top with the second cake layer.
6. Pour the remaining chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth finish.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Jaffa Orange Cake

• To prevent the cake from doming, you can wrap the cake tins with baking strips or wet kitchen towels.
• If you don’t have agar-agar, you can substitute it with powdered gelatin. However, make sure to bloom the gelatin in cold water before adding it to the juice mixture.
• For a more intense orange flavor, you can use freshly squeezed orange juice.
• The chocolate ganache can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir before using.

Presenting Your Masterpiece

Once the ganache has set, your Jaffa Orange Cake is ready to be devoured! Slice it up and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Jaffa Orange Cake Slice

Beyond the Basic Bake

Want to add your personal touch to this classic? The Jaffa Orange Cake is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• Get Creative with Shapes: Instead of round cake layers, try baking the cake in a rectangular pan and cutting it into squares or triangles.
• Embrace Your Inner Artist: Decorate the top of the cake with orange zest, chocolate shavings, or even fresh orange slices for an extra touch of elegance.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the orange jelly for a sophisticated twist.

Jaffa Orange Cake Ingredients

The Jaffa Orange Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s about indulging in the bright, tangy flavors of orange and the rich decadence of dark chocolate. It’s about creating something special with your own two hands and sharing it with the people you love. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!

What are your favorite ways to enjoy oranges in desserts? Share your thoughts and baking adventures in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our other delicious cake recipes [internal_links] on Family Cuisine for more baking inspiration!