If you’ve been dreaming of a show-stopping dessert that marries the richness of chocolate with the zesty brightness of citrus, then this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is destined for your table. Imagine three gorgeous layers: decadent chocolate cake, a creamy, dreamy orange cheesecake center, all overflowing with luscious chocolate ganache. It’s the kind of celebration cake that turns ordinary days into anniversaries and upgrades every gathering to a special event. This dessert has quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen and promises to bring big smiles to your own.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this indulgent treat relies on simple, quality ingredients—each bringing its own magic. The luscious cheesecake, moist chocolate cakes, and velvety ganache harmonize because of a balance of fresh, flavorful basics. Stock up on these pantry and fridge staples, and you’re halfway there to a Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake masterpiece.

All-purpose flour: Gives the chocolate cake layers their tender, yet sturdy, crumb so everything stacks beautifully.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers a deep, chocolaty color and flavor that anchors the whole cake. Use a good-quality cocoa for best results.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the cake and cheesecake layer, ensuring every bite is just right.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide richness.
Buttermilk: Gives the chocolate cake tang and tenderness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake layers extra moist for days.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavors in both cake and cheesecake.
Hot water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and ensures a beautifully moist crumb.
Orange zest: Infuses both cake and cheesecake layers with irresistible fresh citrus aroma.
Cream cheese: The heart and soul of the cheesecake layer; use full fat for richness.
Orange juice: Brightens up the cheesecake, helping the citrus pop.
Heavy cream: Makes the ganache ultra-smooth and glossy.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Melted with cream for the most decadent ganache frosting.
Butter: Adds silkiness and shine to the ganache.
Optional garnish: Candied orange peel, chocolate curls, or a sprinkle of additional orange zest create a finish as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Step 1: Bake the Orange Cheesecake Layer

The star of this cake is without a doubt that silky, citrus-scented cheesecake. To begin, preheat your oven to 325°F and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment for easy removal. Beat together the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Finish with vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice—don’t skimp on the zest, as this gives the cheesecake its signature brightness! Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center barely jiggles. Let it cool completely before chilling for at least two hours (overnight if you can—this makes stacking much easier!).

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers

While your cheesecake chills, get started on those moist, ultra-chocolatey cake layers. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and orange zest, blending until the mixture is completely smooth. Carefully pour in the hot water (this helps bloom the cocoa) and stir until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool all the way before assembly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Now for the crown jewel: glossy chocolate ganache! Heat the heavy cream on the stovetop until just starting to simmer (don’t let it boil). Pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl, letting it sit undisturbed for two minutes so the chocolate melts gently. Add the butter, then stir the mixture until you have a silky, shiny ganache. Let it cool at room temperature until thickened to a spreadable consistency—you want it to be easy to work with but not so runny that it slips right off your beautiful cake layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Here’s where the magic happens: assemble your masterpiece. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving platter. Gently release the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and peel away the parchment, then center it on top of the cake layer. Add the second chocolate cake layer, pressing down lightly to secure the stack. Now, coat the top and sides with your luscious ganache, using an offset spatula for a smooth bakery finish. Finish with candied orange peel, chocolate curls, or extra orange zest for a flourish that screams celebration!

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Garnishes

This cake is undeniably impressive all on its own, but a few finishing touches can really make it pop. Try draping curls of candied orange peel or delicate chocolate shavings across the top for a sophisticated look. Even just a grating of fresh orange zest right before serving adds fragrance and color that will have your guests swooning before the first slice is cut.

Side Dishes

Since Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is rich and decadent, a simple, refreshing accompaniment is all you need. Fresh berries or a lightly sweetened citrus salad provide brightness, while a scoop of vanilla or blood orange gelato cools things down in the most delightful way. For coffee lovers, a cup of espresso or a tall glass of iced coffee is a perfect, classic pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy about making your dessert presentation extra special. For a festive touch, stack slices in a fan on a large platter and sprinkle with edible gold dust for a touch of glamour. Individual servings look elegant on small plates with a drizzle of orange sauce and a chocolate curl or two. Or, create a dramatic centerpiece by piling chocolate-dipped orange slices around the base of your cake just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tightly cover any leftover Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake and refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, and the ganache keeps the cake marvelously moist. Just make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto any exposed cut surfaces to prevent drying.

Freezing

If you’d like to get ahead (or if you simply think you won’t finish the whole cake—unlikely, but it happens), individual slices of this cake freeze beautifully. Set the slices on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep deliciously for up to two months. To thaw, simply move to the fridge overnight. Avoid freezing the entire assembled cake as the texture may suffer.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake—Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. If you prefer a softer ganache, take the cake out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This slight temperature change transforms the texture into pure velvet!

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing all layers a day in advance offers the best flavor and structure. Chill the cheesecake thoroughly and keep the cake layers wrapped at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble. Your future self will thank you for the head start!

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, stir 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes. It’s a handy substitute that works wonders in the chocolate cake layers.

Can I use store-bought orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?

Fresh orange zest provides the brightest flavor, but in a pinch, you can use 1/2 teaspoon high-quality orange extract per layer in place of the zest. Adjust according to taste, but nothing can quite beat the natural oils from fresh zest!

How do I get perfectly smooth ganache?

To achieve that professional, glossy ganache layer, let the cream reach a gentle simmer but not a full boil before pouring over the chocolate. Give it time to melt before you stir, then whisk patiently until smooth. Using an offset spatula makes spreading a breeze.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the cake layers. Just be sure all other ingredients (including baking powder) are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This is the cake that keeps on giving: irresistible layers, unforgettable flavor, and the kind of drama you want at your dessert table. If you’re looking for a new signature bake or a crowd pleaser that delivers every time, give this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake a whirl. I promise, one slice will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 hours (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and orange with this decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake. With luscious layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy orange cheesecake, and a silky chocolate ganache frosting, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chocolate cake layers:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
zest of 1 orange

For the orange cheesecake layer:

16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons orange juice

For the chocolate ganache frosting:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
1 tablespoon butter

Optional garnish:

candied orange peel
chocolate curls
orange zest

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Instructions

Make the cheesecake layer: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice until fully combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Make the chocolate cake layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix until smooth. Slowly add hot water and stir until fully incorporated. Divide batter between the two pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the ganache frosting: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Add butter and stir until smooth. Let cool until thickened to a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the cake: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top. Add the second chocolate cake layer. Spread ganache over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish as desired and refrigerate until ready to serve.