Dark Chocolate Blood Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup blood orange juice
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and blood orange juice, until just combined.

7. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 360
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 280mg
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 36g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Blood orange juice can be substituted with regular orange juice or any other citrus juice.
- Dark chocolate chips can be substituted with milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a spiced chocolate cake.
- Top the cake with whipped cream and fresh blood orange segments for a refreshing twist.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the sugar to ensure a smooth batter.
- Use room temperature eggs for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Microwave a slice of cake for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Presentation ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake for a decadent touch.
- Top the cake with fresh berries for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
- Fresh blood orange segments
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Milk

Suggested side dishes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cake.
- Use fresh ingredients and check for expiration dates.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
- Blood oranges are a type of orange with a deep red flesh and a sweet-tart flavor.
- Chocolate cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- Rich
- Chocolatey
- Citrusy
- Sweet-tart

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert after a meal.
- Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Taste: Rich, Decadent, Sweet, Chocolatey, Moist