Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe
This Ultimate Chocolate Orange Cake is a showstopping dessert that perfectly marries rich, dark chocolate with the bright, zesty flavor of orange. The moist, decadent layers are soaked in a citrus syrup and enveloped in a silky chocolate ganache for an unforgettable treat. For another impressive cake, try the White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center Recipe.
PrintChocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache: A Delightful Recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, strained)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin).
- Divide into pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before assembling.
- In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly whisk in orange juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in zest and butter. Cool completely.
- Heat cream until steaming (not boiling).
- Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add butter for shine. Let cool slightly before pouring.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread orange filling evenly.
- Repeat with second layer. Top with third cake layer.
- Pour ganache over cake, letting it drip down sides.
- Garnish with orange slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Chocolate Orange Layer Cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once completely cool and store at room temperature. Frost and assemble the Chocolate Orange Layer Cake the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh oranges?
You can substitute the fresh orange zest and juice with high-quality orange extract or concentrate. For the zest, use about 1/2 teaspoon of extract. For the juice in the syrup or frosting, use an equal amount of store-bought orange juice, though the flavor of your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake will be most vibrant with fresh fruit.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The frosting will firm up when cold, so let slices sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the texture and enhance the flavors.
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