If you adore the combination of rich chocolate and bright citrus, then this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. It showcases tender, deeply chocolatey cake layers perfectly balanced by a luscious orange cream filling and finished with a silky chocolate ganache. Every bite is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures that come together beautifully to make a stunning dessert you’ll be proud to serve for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you’re probably already familiar with, and each plays a vital role in creating the delectable layers, creamy filling, and glossy ganache. From the cocoa powder that gives the cake its intense chocolate character to the fresh orange zest that wakes up the palate, every component matters.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the cake layers.
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a moist texture.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder & 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Working together, these leaveners make the cake light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors especially the chocolate and orange notes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Moistens the batter and adds creaminess.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist for days.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate taste and creates a smooth batter.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) for filling: The base for the silky orange cream filling.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling perfectly.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds real citrus zing and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Bursts with aromatic orange oils to brighten the filling.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (as needed): Adjusts the filling to a spreadable consistency.
- 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped) for ganache: Creates a rich, glossy topping.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache): Melts the chocolate into a velvety finish.
- Orange slices or zest for garnish: Adds a lovely visual touch and extra citrus aroma.
- Extra melted chocolate for drizzling (optional): Elevates presentation and flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix forms the foundation for the luscious chocolate layers you’ll soon enjoy.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix
Next, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and beat until smooth and combined. The batter might look thick at this point, but that’s about to change! Slowly stir in the boiling water or hot coffee, which intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the batter a glossy, smooth finish.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely in their pans before attempting to remove them—this prevents any crumbling.
Step 4: Whip Up the Orange Cream Filling
For the star citrus component, beat the softened butter until soft and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with the freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest for that vibrant zing. If the filling feels too thick, gently blend in a bit of heavy cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture. This creamy orange filling will provide the perfect refreshing contrast between the rich chocolate layers.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Simmer the heavy cream until it just starts to bubble, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it rest for a minute, then stir gently until silky smooth and shiny. Allow the ganache to cool slightly; it should be pourable but not too hot when you apply it to the cake.
Step 6: Assemble Your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of the orange cream filling over it. Carefully top with the second cake layer. Pour the luscious chocolate ganache evenly over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides for that elegant look. Finally, garnish with orange slices and extra zest, plus a drizzle of melted chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of orange zest transforms this cake into a showstopper. These garnishes not only boost the visual appeal but also enhance the citrus aroma that greets each slice. For a little extra elegance, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top or add a few edible flowers for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. If you want a cozy drink alongside, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a delicate orange-infused tea complements the flavors perfectly, making your dessert experience truly delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into neat squares for a party platter or serving mini individual portions in clear dessert glasses with alternating layers of cake, filling, and ganache. This layered presentation highlights the beautiful contrast and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For holiday flair, dust the ganache with edible gold dust or decorate with candied orange peel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s wrapped well or stored in an airtight container to keep the cake moist and the ganache shiny. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to wrap the individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge, then assemble the cake fresh. The filling may also be frozen separately, but ganache is best prepared fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if your cake feels cold from the fridge, simply let it sit out for 30 minutes before serving to unlock its full flavor and soften the ganache just enough.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of boiling water?
Absolutely! Using hot coffee instead of boiling water intensifies the chocolate flavor even more and adds a subtle richness. If you prefer the cake to be caffeine-free, just stick with boiling water.
Is it okay to substitute fresh orange juice with store-bought?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the brightest flavor and natural sweetness, but if store-bought juice is all you have, make sure it’s 100% pure and not from concentrate for the best results.
How do I make the filling less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a touch more orange juice to balance sweetness with acidity. Just remember, the filling needs enough sugar to achieve the right texture and stability, so reduce carefully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free baking flour blend that has xanthan gum, you can adapt this recipe. Keep in mind gluten-free cake may have a slightly different texture, but the flavor combination will still shine.
What type of dark chocolate works best for the ganache?
Choose a good quality dark chocolate with around 60-70% cocoa content for a balanced bittersweet ganache. Too dark may taste overly bitter, and too mild can be too sweet.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe makes an extraordinary treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Its harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fresh orange is a match made in dessert heaven that will wow family and friends alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and create some delicious memories around your table!
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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This decadent Chocolate Orange Layer Cake combines rich, moist chocolate cake layers with a vibrant orange cream filling and a smooth dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake harmoniously blends the deep flavors of chocolate with the refreshing zest of orange, resulting in a luscious dessert that pleases both chocolate lovers and citrus fans alike.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee
For the Orange Cream Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (as needed)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Orange slices or zest
- Extra melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat until the batter is smooth and uniform. Gradually stir in the boiling water or hot coffee to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
- Prepare the orange cream filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar alternately with the freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest. Adjust the filling’s consistency by adding the heavy cream as needed to make it spreadable but thick.
- Make the chocolate ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a minute, then stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly to thicken for easier pouring.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cooled chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the orange cream filling evenly over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, then pour the slightly cooled ganache over the entire cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate the cake with fresh orange slices or additional orange zest for a pop of color and freshness. Optionally, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top for an elegant finish. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Substitute hot coffee for boiling water to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled to prevent the filling and ganache from melting.
- Adjust the consistency of the orange cream filling by adding more or less heavy cream as needed.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
