Dairy Free Chocolate Orange Loaf

Citrus season always brings me inspiration for baking! This loaf is perfect paired with some fresh picked homemade orange marmalade!

Yields one 9"x5" loaf

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegan butter
4 eggs (yolks and whites separated)
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp dark chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line loaf pan with parchment paper (extending over the sides of the pan.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the eggs whites until they form stiff peaks. Place in a separate mixing bowl and set aside.
3. In the electric mixer cream the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy, periodically scraping down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the egg yolks into the mixing bowl one at a time until they are all incorporated.
5. In a small bowl combine the orange juice, orange zest, baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
6. With the mixer on low alternate adding in the flour and the orange mixture. Mix in the baking powder, and then fold in the egg whites gently by hand.
7. Pour half of the batter into a mixing bowl and mix the cocoa powder into the other half of the batter.
8. Dollop half of the chocolate batter into the pan and half of the orange batter and then swirl a knife through to marble the batters together. Repeat with the other halves of batter.
9. Bake for 60-65 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean and the loaf is springy to the touch. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Serve with preferred flavour of jam or marmalade!