Chocolate and orange marbled loveliness

These follow the same format as my previous cake but as you can tell from the title have different flavouring! It's not rocket science after all!!!

Once I have a basic fairy cake mixture I split it into two bowls. In bowl number one we add some chocolate essence (a reasonable splash) and a tablespoon or so of cocoa powder. Any more than this and the mixture can get on the sturdy side. I have never heard the word sturdy used in anything other than a negative fashion!

In bowl number two we are going to add the grated zest of an orange, the juice of around half of it and if you have it a splash of orange essence. I find that the essences/extracts are a really useful way of adding flavour without too much slop. Have a little taste of these mixtures if you can manage raw egg. You can then adjust the flavouring perfectly.

Now to mix them into marbled loveliness. You need to GENTLY blend the two mixtures just enough to create a marbled look in the bowl. A few gentle folds should do it. Once you have done this you can spoon the mixture into your waiting muffin cases or cake cases. This mixture should give you enough for 10/12 cakes. Pop them into your oven as my previous recipe for around 18 minutes or as per your oven.

These lovely little cake really benefit from a chocolate orange buttercream that you can either pipe on if you are feeling creative or dollop as you see fit.

I don't have a particular recipe for buttercream, it is very much an add to the bowl mix,taste and see type of thing.

Usually I have a couple of oz's (50g or so) of softened unsalted butter in a bowl. To this I add around 4oz (100g ish) icing sugar and a splash of hot water. Give this a good mix with preferably an electric whisk for a good few minutes till it becomes pale and fluffy. Taste and add more icing sugar and or butter. Once you have your ideal buttercream you can add the flavourings of your choice. For a chocolate buttercream you can add a spoonful of cocoa powder and some chocolate essence. If you would rather have an orange buttercream you can simply grate the zest of an orange into the basic mixture. Add a splash of orange essence and a little juice (not too much you don;t want a runny mix). You can even combine the two and create a marbled icing if you are feeling particularly adventurous.
Once you have your buttercream, decorate to your hearts content. a few chocolate sprinkles and a little grated zest of orange and you are done.

Plate up and watch them vanish.

Happy Baking xoxox