Dark Chocolate–Orange Gingerbread Cake

This dessert presents the glorious complexity and contrast of flavors in gingerbread in the form of a delightfully springy cake that you can mix entirely by hand. The orange zest serves as a bright link, marrying the spices in the cake to the shiny chocolate glaze above. Throw out the cake rule book and mix the batter here with vigor; it will ensure an even and structured crumb.