Oh my, this is so good, I almost didn't want to share it! Too addictive!

Name: Oh my, this is so good, I almost didn't want to share it! Too addictive!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp orange zest; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:28:28.228Z

This recipe is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures, making it a favorite for gatherings and celebrations.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This recipe beautifully combines rich chocolate and vibrant orange zest, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and refreshing. The chocolate provides a deep, indulgent foundation, while the citrus notes from the orange zest elevate it to a whole new level. It's a delightful contrast that keeps each bite exciting and satisfying.

By incorporating fresh orange zest, this dish not only enhances its flavor but also adds an aromatic quality that fills the kitchen as it bakes. The subtle tang of the orange complements the sweetness of the chocolate, making it a dessert that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences.

A Creamy Delight

The topping is just as important as the base in this recipe, providing a luscious layer of creaminess that melts in your mouth. Whipping the heavy cream with powdered sugar and orange zest results in a fluffy, light topping that contrasts perfectly with the dense chocolate base. This creamy texture invites you to indulge just a little bit more.

Not only does the topping enhance the overall flavor, but it also adds a visual appeal to the dessert. The soft, whipped cream creates a beautiful presentation, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or special occasions. It's a dessert that's sure to impress your guests while satisfying your own sweet cravings.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this dessert is versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich flavors make it a great choice for festive gatherings, while its easy preparation ensures that you can whip it up without any hassle. It’s the perfect balance between elegance and comfort food.

You can also customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist or serving it with fresh berries for added freshness. No matter how you choose to present it, this dessert will surely leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Topping

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients for a delicious treat!

Instructions

Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Bake the Base

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Topping

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble and Serve

Once the base has cooled, spread the whipped topping over it. Cut into squares and serve!

Enjoy your delicious dessert!

Storage Tips

To keep your dessert fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this indulgence over several days. If you're preparing it in advance for a special occasion, consider making the base a day ahead and adding the whipped topping just before serving.

If you find yourself with leftover whipped topping, it can be stored separately in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just give it a quick whip to restore its texture before using it again. This way, you can easily enjoy the creamy topping on other desserts or even with fresh fruits.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic touch, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate. You could also drizzle some chocolate sauce or a citrus glaze over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

For those who appreciate a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling some crushed nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pleasing texture that complements the creamy topping and soft base beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base a day in advance and top it just before serving.

→ Can I use a different flavor of zest?

Absolutely! Lemon or lime zest would also work beautifully.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dessert?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the base without the topping. Thaw before serving.