If you are craving a dessert that brilliantly balances rich chocolate and zesty citrus, then the Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe is your new best friend. This show-stopping cake combines moist, tender chocolate layers infused with a vibrant orange filling, all crowned with a silky, decadent ganache. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe promises a perfect harmony of flavors that will delight your palate and impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture, rich flavor, and stunning color.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender cake layers, providing structure without heaviness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate intensity and that irresistible dark hue.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a moist crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a fluffy texture.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft to the last bite.
- Hot coffee: Enhances the chocolate’s depth without overpowering the orange notes.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Brings a natural tang and freshness to the filling.
- Dark chocolate (chopped): The star in the ganache, offering a glossy, luscious finish.
- Heavy cream: Essential for creating that smooth, rich ganache that coats the cake beautifully.
- Additional ingredients (like sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, butter, and orange zest): Create that irresistible orange filling to layer between the chocolate cakes.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy cake removal later, ensuring your layers stay intact and beautiful.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is the base that provides the chocolate flavor and structure. Then add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, blending everything until smooth and velvety. The magic happens when you gradually stir in hot coffee—it intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the batter luscious.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. This ensures the cakes are perfectly baked—moist but fully cooked. Once baked, transfer the pans to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before assembly.
Step 4: Make the Orange Filling
To craft the vibrant orange filling, combine sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and freshly squeezed orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a luscious custard-like filling. Remove from heat, then mix in the orange zest and butter for richness and an aromatic lift. This filling contrasts beautifully with the chocolate layers, lending brightness and tang.
Step 5: Prepare the Ganache
Heat the cream until it’s just steaming, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let this mixture sit for two minutes to melt the chocolate gently, then stir until smooth and glossy. This ganache is pure indulgence—a silky chocolate glaze that will elegantly drip down the sides of your cake.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Layer your cooled chocolate cakes with generous spreads of the orange filling in between each layer. Once stacked, pour the glossy ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally. This assembly step is where the cake truly comes to life, combining textures and flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, fresh orange slices or candied orange peel bring an elegant touch and hint at the flavors inside. A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or a dusting of cocoa powder adds pizzazz and color contrast. Even a few edible flowers can elevate the cake’s presentation for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Serving this cake alongside a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the richness beautifully. For a refreshing contrast, a small bowl of fresh berries—like raspberries or strawberries—adds tartness and vibrant color, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, slice the cake into neat wedges and serve each on a chic dessert plate with a drizzle of extra ganache. For festive occasions, top the cake with chocolate shavings or curls. Alternatively, consider layering the cake in a glass trifle bowl for a stunning visual treat, showing off the striking orange and chocolate layers in all their glory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the ganache firm and the filling fresh, while the cake layers remain moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save slices for later, you can freeze them by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen cake slices stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, let the cake come to room temperature first. Ganache cakes are best served slightly cool or at room temp rather than warm, but if you prefer it a touch warmer, briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the ganache and intensifies the chocolate orange aroma.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of freshly squeezed?
While fresh orange juice offers the brightest, most natural flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just choose a high-quality, pulp-free variety and consider adding a bit of fresh orange zest to boost the orange intensity.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain texture, and keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.
How long does this cake stay fresh after assembling?
Once assembled, it’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator. The freshness of the orange filling and ganache is at its peak during this time, ensuring every bite is delightful.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
You can, but dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the orange filling beautifully and creates a richer ganache. Milk chocolate will make the ganache sweeter and less intense, so adjust to your taste preferences.
What if I don’t have coffee? Can I skip it?
You can skip the coffee, but it really enhances the chocolate flavor by deepening it without adding a coffee taste. If you prefer, substitute with hot water or hot black tea, but the overall flavor may be slightly lighter.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe a try—it’s a dessert that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience. With its combination of luscious chocolate, bright citrus filling, and silky ganache, every slice feels like a special moment. Whether for celebrations or a weekend treat, this cake is sure to delight and bring smiles around the table.
Print
Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent Chocolate Orange Layer Cake featuring rich cocoa layers infused with coffee, paired with a zesty orange filling and topped with a smooth dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert treat, this cake balances bittersweet chocolate and bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Orange Filling
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, mixing until smooth.
- Add coffee and bake batter: Gradually stir in the hot coffee to the batter until well combined. Divide the batter evenly among 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 on wire racks.
- Make the orange filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, then remove from the heat. Stir in orange zest and butter until fully melted and incorporated. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the chocolate ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes to soften, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the orange filling on top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Finally, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip elegantly down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure coffee is hot but not boiling when added to the batter to help bloom the cocoa’s flavor.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor in the filling.
- For a more intense chocolate taste, use a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao.
- The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and kept refrigerated, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Allow the ganache to set briefly at room temperature or in the fridge before serving for cleaner slices.
