Ultimate Chocolate Orange Layer Cake (Print View)
Dark chocolate layers paired with orange cream, finished with ganache for an indulgent citrus treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Layers
01 -
2 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
2 cups granulated sugar
03 -
3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
04 -
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
05 -
1 teaspoon salt
06 -
2 large eggs
07 -
1/2 cup vegetable oil
08 -
1 cup buttermilk
09 -
1 cup hot brewed coffee
→ Orange Filling
10 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 -
4 cups powdered sugar
12 -
1 tablespoon orange zest
13 -
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
14 -
1 teaspoon orange extract
→ Chocolate Ganache and Garnish
15 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
16 -
1 cup dark chocolate chips
17 -
1 fresh orange, sliced into halves and with a peel twist
18 -
1 block dark chocolate for shavings
# Directions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 -
Add eggs, vegetable oil, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Stir just until incorporated.
04 -
Pour in hot coffee and whisk gently until a smooth batter forms. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
05 -
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool cakes completely.
06 -
Using an electric stand mixer, beat softened butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until pale and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and orange extract. Beat until the filling is thick and smooth.
07 -
Place one cake layer on a dessert plate. Spread a thick layer of orange filling on top. Repeat stacking with remaining layers and filling. Chill the assembled cake for 20 minutes.
08 -
Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate chips. Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth.
09 -
Pour ganache over the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with orange halves, a twist of orange peel, and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure cakes are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
02 -
Chilling the layered cake before pouring ganache helps set the filling for clean slices.