Decadent Vegan Chocolate Orange Torte
Indulge in the rich, velvety delight of this Decadent Vegan Chocolate Orange Torte, inspired by Fran Costigan's original creation in Vegan Chocolate. This torte boasts a harmonious blend of deep chocolate flavors, bright orange zest, and fruity extra virgin olive oil, making it a masterpiece for any dessert lover. With its egg-free, dairy-free composition and inclusion of wholesome oat and almond flours, this dessert is not only a guilty pleasure but also a nutritious option for health-conscious chocolate enthusiasts. Topped with a luscious chocolate-orange ganache reminiscent of Terry's Chocolate Oranges, this torte is sure to impress at any gathering. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in, enjoy it with a scoop of vegan ice cream for an unforgettable treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oat flour
1/4 cup (Use a good quality oat flour for the best texture.)
Cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (Ensure it is unsweetened for authentic chocolate flavor.)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated sugar or coconut sugar can be used.)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (Use fresh for proper leavening.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Use fine sea salt.)
Baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.)
Ground almonds
1/3 cup (Ensure they are finely ground.)
Orange juice concentrate
1 cup (Make sure it is 100% juice for best flavor.)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (Opt for a fruity variety to enhance the orange notes.)
Zest of 2 large oranges
Zest of 2 (Use organic oranges for better flavor and to avoid pesticides.)
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (Provides depth of flavor.)
Vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon (Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.)
Almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (Add an extra layer of flavor.)
Ground almonds (for topping)
2 tablespoons (Add just before serving for a lovely texture.)
Stevia-sweetened bittersweet chocolate
3.5 ounces (Chop or break into small pieces for melting.)
Olive oil (for glaze)
2 teaspoons (Same as above, use a good quality oil.)
Vanilla flavored stevia
1 packet (1 g) (Adjust to taste if necessary.)
Sea salt
1 pinch (Use a fine sea salt for best results.)
Sliced almonds (for garnish)
2 tablespoons (Toast lightly if desired for enhanced flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and ground almonds until well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice concentrate, extra virgin olive oil, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, whisking until fully integrated.
4
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to form a smooth batter without overmixing.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, and gently rotate the pan to ensure an even layer. Tap the pan softly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 43 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Allow the torte to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ground almonds on top.
8
For the glaze, combine the orange zest, remaining orange juice concentrate, and the bittersweet chocolate in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low flame until melted, stirring continuously.
9
Remove from heat and mix in olive oil, vanilla-flavored stevia, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. Let the glaze sit for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
10
Transfer the cooled torte onto a serving plate, then pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Finish by sprinkling with the remaining sliced almonds.
11
Slice, serve, and savor the delightful flavors of this torte with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Vegan Chocolate Orange Torte?
It is a rich, velvety dessert inspired by Fran Costigan's original creation, featuring deep chocolate flavors, bright orange zest, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based, dairy-free, and egg-free.
Is the Chocolate Orange Torte gluten-free?
Yes, it is considered gluten-free as it uses oat flour and almond flour instead of wheat flour.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of oat flour and finely ground almonds for texture and nutrition.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar in this recipe.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan should I use for the torte?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the torte need to bake?
The torte typically bakes for 43 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the torte is finished baking?
The torte is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Why is extra virgin olive oil used?
Fruity extra virgin olive oil is used to enhance the orange notes and provide a rich, moist texture.
What kind of chocolate is used for the glaze?
The glaze uses stevia-sweetened bittersweet chocolate for a decadent yet balanced finish.
How is the orange flavor incorporated?
The flavor comes from 100% orange juice concentrate and the zest of two large organic oranges.
What is the purpose of balsamic vinegar in the batter?
Balsamic vinegar provides a hidden depth of flavor that complements the dark chocolate.
How long should the torte cool before removing it from the pan?
Allow the torte to cool in the springform pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting it.
What ingredients are used for the garnish?
The torte is garnished with ground almonds and sliced almonds for added texture.
Can I use different types of extracts?
This recipe specifically calls for pure vanilla extract and almond extract to create layered flavors.
How do I prepare the springform pan?
Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the delicate torte.
Is the cocoa powder sweetened or unsweetened?
You should use unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve an authentic chocolate flavor.
How do I prevent air bubbles in the batter?
Tap the pan softly on the counter after pouring the batter to release any trapped air bubbles.
How do I make the glaze smooth?
Heat the chocolate, orange concentrate, and zest over a low flame while stirring continuously until melted.
What should I serve with the torte?
It is excellent served with a scoop of vegan ice cream.
Does the recipe use artificial sweeteners?
It uses granulated sugar along with vanilla-flavored stevia to achieve its sweetness profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 specific ingredients used to create the torte and the glaze.
Should the almonds for garnish be toasted?
You can lightly toast the sliced almond garnish if desired to enhance their nutty flavor.
Why is it important to use organic oranges?
Organic oranges are recommended to avoid pesticides, as the recipe utilizes a significant amount of zest.
How long should the glaze sit before pouring?
Let the glaze sit for 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly before cascading it over the torte.
Is this a healthy dessert option?
Yes, because it includes wholesome oat and almond flours and is plant-based, it is a more nutritious option for chocolate lovers.
What is the inspiration behind this flavor combination?
The chocolate-orange combination is reminiscent of the classic Terry's Chocolate Oranges.
Should I whisk the dry ingredients together first?
Yes, whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps from the cocoa or flour.
Can I overmix the batter?
It is recommended to stir gently and avoid overmixing to maintain the best possible texture.