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Orange chili chocolate sauce drizzled over dessert
Rich and spicy sauce with dark chocolate, orange juice, and chili

Spicy Orange Dark Chocolate Sauce

Author: Flavelo
Sauces and Gravies Recipes Cakes and Desserts
Pairing chocolate and chili dates back to ancient Aztec culture (Xocolatl), but this is a modern dessert interpretation. The technique is based on 'ganache': melting chocolate with hot liquid (cream and orange juice), creating a glossy, silky emulsion.
🕒 Prep Time 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
⌛ Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 280 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Zester

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

Break or chop the chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.

Tip: Smaller pieces melt more evenly and quickly in the hot liquid.
2 ✓

Add the orange zest, chili flakes, and salt to the chocolate.

Tip: Salt is essential for chocolate dishes; it deepens the cocoa flavor.
3 ✓

In a saucepan, combine orange juice, heavy cream, and honey. Heat until just reaching a boil (bubbles at the edges).

Tip: Don't boil for long, just get it hot enough to melt the chocolate.
4 ✓

Pour the hot liquid over the chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute without touching it!

Tip: Allow the heat to penetrate the chocolate. If you stir immediately, it may become grainy.
5 ✓

Start whisking from the center outwards until you have a glossy, dark brown cream.

Tip: This is the moment of emulsification: water and fat phases combining.
6 ✓

Whisk in the soft butter into the warm cream.

Tip: Butter adds the final shine and softness.
7 ✓

Serve warm.

Tip: Excellent with churros!

Recipe FAQ

The chocolate seized (clumped up).
Steam or overheating caused this. Try whisking in a little more hot cream gradually.
It hardened in the fridge.
Natural, as it contains cocoa butter. Reheat gently in a water bath or microwave.

Ingredients

  • 5 oz Dark Chocolate (min. 70%, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1 tsp Orange Zest (grated)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (or a pinch of Cayenne)
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 pinch Salt