This timeless recipe combines the zesty, refreshing flavors of orange and lemon with the rich, indulgent taste of dark chocolate to create a delightful dessert that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat for a special occasion or just want something to enjoy after dinner, this sponge cake with citrusy notes and a dark chocolate drizzle will satisfy your taste buds like no other. It’s an easy-to-make dessert, but the results are so impressive that it will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.
The cake itself is incredibly light and fluffy, thanks to the delicate sponge fingers that soak up the refreshing citrus juices. The lemon and orange zest, combined with a hint of condensed milk and sugar, give the cake a perfectly sweet and tangy flavor, while the milk and dark chocolate add richness and depth. This dessert doesn’t just taste amazing—it also looks beautiful on any dining table, with its elegant chocolate drizzle and light, airy texture.
This recipe is sure to become a beloved family favorite, and once you try it, you will understand why it’s so timeless. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Sponge fingers: 300 g (11 oz)
Orange juice: 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
Eggs: 2 pcs
Sugar: 170 g (6 oz)
Lemon: 1 pc (zested and juiced)
Starch (cornstarch): 60 g (2.1 oz)
Milk: 600 ml (20 fl oz)
Condensed milk: 100 g (3.5 oz)
Dark chocolate: 80 g (2.8 oz)
Steps
Prepare the Sponge Cake Base
Start by soaking the sponge fingers in the freshly squeezed orange juice. You can do this step gently by dipping each sponge finger in the juice for a few seconds until they’re moist but not soggy. Line a cake pan with parchment paper and arrange the soaked sponge fingers to form the base of your cake. Set it aside for later.
Make the Citrus Cream Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until they become smooth and creamy. This will create the base for your citrus cream filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk and condensed milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the milk begins to warm up, add the starch, mixing well to ensure it dissolves and thickens the mixture.
Add the Zesty Flavors
Zest the lemon and orange, adding both zest into the milk and condensed milk mixture. Then, squeeze the juice from both the lemon and orange into the saucepan. Continue stirring, allowing the mixture to thicken into a creamy consistency. Once the mixture has reached a pudding-like texture, remove it from the heat.
Assemble the Cake
Pour the citrus cream mixture over the soaked sponge fingers, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Allow the cream to cool and set for about 30 minutes. The cake will naturally firm up as it cools, giving you the perfect base for the dark chocolate drizzle.
Prepare the Dark Chocolate Drizzle
While the cake is setting, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this by gently heating it in a microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, or by using a double boiler method. Once the chocolate is melted, drizzle it over the set cake in a decorative pattern. The rich, glossy chocolate will add the perfect finishing touch to your cake.
Let it Set and Serve
Once the dark chocolate has been drizzled over the cake, let it set for another 15–20 minutes until the chocolate hardens slightly. Once everything is set, slice the cake into portions and serve. Enjoy the perfect blend of citrus, cream, and dark chocolate in every bite!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Kcal (per serving)
Approx. 320 kcal
Servings
Continued on the next page
ADVERTISEMENT
