Orange Cake with Chocolate Chips – Fresh, Spongy & Sweet Surprises

Description:

This orange cake is ultra-soft and moist with the bright zing of fresh oranges and the rich decadence of chocolate chips scattered throughout. It’s an easy one-bowl cake that strikes the perfect balance between citrusy freshness and indulgent sweetness — ideal for brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert.

Origin:

Combining citrus with chocolate is a European-inspired tradition, especially popular in Mediterranean baking where oranges are abundant. This cake borrows from that heritage with a modern twist — adding chocolate chips for bursts of surprise and extra comfort.

Ingredients (Quantity):

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
½ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp flour (for coating chocolate chips)

Ingredients (Optional):

½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom for warmth
Extra orange zest for garnish
Powdered sugar glaze or melted chocolate drizzle for topping

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients:
In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, yogurt, oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine:
Add dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined.
Prepare chips:
Toss chocolate chips in 1 tbsp flour (prevents sinking), then fold into the batter.
Bake:
Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool & serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.