Description
This decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake combines rich cocoa-flavored cake layers with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling and a luscious dark chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for celebrations, this layered dessert offers a delightful balance of chocolate and citrus flavors.
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 and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the softened butter, eggs, milk, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to form a consistent batter without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared 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 allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating the cheesecake filling.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, spread an even layer of the cheesecake filling over one cake layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top to form a sandwich.
- Add Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to gently drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
- Serve or Store: Slice and serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the ganache to set.
Notes
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cooled before spreading the cheesecake filling to prevent melting.
- You can substitute the orange juice with freshly squeezed orange for a fresher flavor.
- For a firmer ganache, chill the cake for 30 minutes after drizzling the chocolate.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
