Description
A decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake featuring moist cocoa and orange-infused cake layers filled with a creamy cheesecake filling and finished with a rich dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers looking for a citrusy twist.
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 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 evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the softened butter, eggs, milk, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the top of one cooled cake layer, then place the second cake layer on top to create a sandwich.
- Add Ganache Topping: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish.
- Serve or Chill: Slice to serve immediately or refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to enhance flavors and texture.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Allow cakes to cool fully to prevent cheesecake filling from melting.
- The ganache can be warmed gently if it begins to harden before drizzling.
- Store cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Orange juice can be freshly squeezed for brighter flavor.
