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
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.
Notes
- Make all layers a day ahead for easy assembly.
- Be sure to chill the cheesecake layer thoroughly before stacking.
- Use an offset spatula for a smooth ganache finish.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
