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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache

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A decadent Chocolate Orange Layer Cake featuring rich chocolate layers and zesty orange custard, topped with a glossy dark chocolate ganache.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • ½ cup sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
  • 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for ganache)
  • Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
  4. Gradually stir in the hot coffee (or hot water) until the batter is thin and smooth.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before removing them from the pans.
  7. For the orange filling, in a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly whisk in the orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest and butter until melted. Allow to cool completely.
  8. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth. Stir in the butter for extra shine and let it cool slightly.
  9. To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the orange filling evenly over the top. Repeat with the second layer, then place the third layer on top. Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel.

Notes

For optimal texture, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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