Description
There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and bright, citrusy orange. This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is the perfect dessert for special occasions—or just when you need an indulgent treat! With layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy orange-infused cheesecake, and luscious chocolate ganache, this cake is a guaranteed showstopper.
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Orange Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp orange zest (for garnish)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chocolate curls
- Orange slices
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Orange Cheesecake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add hot coffee (or water) and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer.
- Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then mix in butter for extra shine. Let cool slightly before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on top.
- Add the second chocolate cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with chocolate curls, orange slices, or extra orange zest.
Notes
- Chill the Cheesecake: Make sure the cheesecake is fully chilled before assembling to prevent it from collapsing.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest: It enhances the citrusy flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
- Make it Ahead: Both the cake and cheesecake can be made a day in advance for easier assembly.
- Smooth Ganache: If your ganache thickens too much, warm it slightly before pouring over the cake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cuisine: American