Description
This luscious Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake combines rich cocoa cake layers with a tangy orange twist, filled with a smooth cheesecake filling and topped with a decadent dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a sophisticated dessert with a citrusy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Ganache:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the softened butter, eggs, milk, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to form a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake layers cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have fully cooled, spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling over the top of one cake layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently to secure.
- Add the Ganache: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate ganache over the assembled cake, allowing it to run down the sides for an elegant finish.
- Serve or Store: Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate the cake until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure cake layers are completely cool before adding the cheesecake filling to prevent melting.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest and richest filling.
- For a stronger orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cake batter.
- The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring it to room temperature before serving for best taste.
- If the ganache thickens, gently warm it until pourable but not hot before drizzling.
