Scrap the zest of an orange. We need around 1 tbsp of it. Keep aside.

Next, take 2tbsp of cocoa powder in a small bowl.

Add 1/4 cup of hot boiling water in it and mix quickly. Mix well to make the choco paste. Keep aside.

In a large mixing bowl, take 3 whole eggs and beat well with a whisk. Do not overbeat the eggs.

Gradually add 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and mix with the eggs. Add 1/4 cup at a time. Mix until the sugar dissolves in eggs completely.

Next add 2 tbsp of soft butter(at room temperature), a tsp of vanilla essence (optional) and mix.

Place a metal strainer on top of the bowl we are using and add 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour (Do not scoop. Spoon &fill).

Next add a tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda and 1/4 tsp of salt.

Sift the contents into the egg-sugar-butter mixture directly.

Combine wet and dry ingredients with a spatula using the cut and fold method.

Mix the batter without any lumps.

Next, separate the cake batter into 1/3rd and 2/3rd portions.

Add the choco paste we prepared with the 2/3rd portion of the batter and mix well. Keep aside.

Mix the orange zest with the remaining 1/3rd portion of the batter.

How to bake Choco orange swirl cake:

I used an 8" square cake pan. You may use a round pan or medium-sized loaf pan also.

Grease the pan and lay the butter paper.

Fill the choco batter first on the sides of the pan like this.

Next, fill the orange zest batter between the choco batter.

Make swirls gently with a fork. Feel free to make your own designs.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 360F(180°C).

Bake the cake for 30 to 40mins. Check the cake after 30mins by inserting a toothpick. When it comes clean stop baking.

Flip the cake and let it cool on a rack or plate.

Serve with hot coffee for a satisfying snack. You may top it with your favorites if you like.