Chocolate Orange Cake With Lemons

Our answer

Nigella's Chocolate Orange Cake (from FEAST) is made using whole oranges that have been simmered in water until soft and then blitzed in a food processor. We do not particularly recommend using lemons as the whole fruit is used, which includes the bitter pith. The pith of lemons, and limes, are usually more bitter than the pith of oranges and this could affect the overall taste of the cake.

However if you are looking for a slightly more bitter effect and you did want to try and use lemons then be absolutely sure that you choose thin-skinned lemons. These usually have a much smooother, shinier skin. You may also want to use Dutch processed cocoa powder. In the UK this is not usually specified so look for "acidity regulator" in the ingredients list (Green & Black's brand is Dutch processed). Dutch processed has a smoother flavour, whereas natural cocoa powder can be more acidic, and this may help to offset some of the bitterness of the fruits. Alternatively you could use clementines instead of the oranges.