If you adore the irresistible combination of zesty citrus and decadent chocolate, then you are going to fall in love with this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Rich Ganache and Orange Cream Filling Recipe. This cake is a celebration on every level, featuring moist chocolate layers perfectly complemented by a luscious orange cream filling and finished with a smooth, glossy ganache that drapes beautifully over the whole dessert. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds but a feast for the eyes, too, guaranteed to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the key to making this cake truly shine. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich cocoa that forms the moist cake layers to the vibrant orange zest that brightens the filling. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for fluffy cake layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep, rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping create a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for making the cake rise light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the batter.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s richness.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and soft.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that balances the chocolate and orange.
- Hot coffee (or hot water): Intensifies the chocolate flavor deeply and beautifully.
- Fresh orange juice: The star of the orange cream filling, delivering fresh citrus zing.
- Orange zest: Adds a fragrant, bright burst of natural orange oils.
- Sugar (for filling): Sweetens the creamy orange filling perfectly.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the orange cream to a silky, spreadable consistency.
- Egg yolks: Enrich the filling and add creamy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness to both filling and ganache for a smooth finish.
- Dark chocolate: Used in the ganache for a decadent, glossy coating.
- Heavy cream: Combined with chocolate for that luscious ganache texture.
- Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel: Perfect garnishes that add an elegant touch.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Rich Ganache and Orange Cream Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing three 8-inch round cake pans. Line them with parchment paper for an easy release later. In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed, laying the foundation for a perfectly balanced chocolate cake. Next, add your wet ingredients—eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract—mixing until smooth. Finally, stir in hot coffee; this will thin out your batter but supercharge the chocolate intensity. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely to room temperature before assembling.
Step 2: Make the Orange Cream Filling
While the cakes cool, whip up a fresh orange cream filling that’s bursting with citrus flavor. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in your freshly squeezed orange juice, making sure everything blends well without lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Then remove it from heat and stir in the orange zest and unsalted butter, which adds richness and smoothness. Let this orange filling cool fully; it should be firm enough to spread but still creamy and silky.
Step 3: Prepare the Rich Chocolate Ganache
Next comes the showstopper ganache. Heat heavy cream until it just starts to steam—avoid letting it boil as that can affect texture. Pour the hot cream over chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes. This melting process creates an ultra-smooth base. Stir the mixture gently until it becomes glossy and velvety. Add butter to the ganache for an extra shiny finish and allow it to cool a bit so it’s pourable but not too runny. This ganache will beautifully coat your cake with a decadent glaze.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake Layers
Start with one cake layer placed on your serving plate. Spread a generous, even layer of the orange cream filling all over the top. Add the second cake layer and repeat the orange filling spread. Top with the final cake layer carefully. Now, pour the cooled ganache over the entire cake, guiding it with a spoon or spatula so that it drips enticingly over the edges. This cascading ganache finish creates a stunning presentation that feels both indulgent and inviting. Finally, garnish the cake with fresh orange slices or candied orange peels to highlight the citrus notes and add a bit of sparkle.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Rich Ganache and Orange Cream Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh orange slices and candied orange peel make the perfect natural garnishes that enhance both the look and flavor of the cake. The bright orange color pops beautifully against the dark ganache, making each slice feel festive and elegant.
Side Dishes
Serve your cake alongside a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic pairing. A fresh berry compote can also add a tart contrast, making the citrus and chocolate flavors even more vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering small individual portions in clear dessert cups, alternating cake, orange cream, and ganache for a stunning visual effect. Or, decorate the top of the cake with edible gold leaf or delicate chocolate shards to take the presentation up a notch, perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any fridge odors. The flavors meld together beautifully over time, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the un-assembled cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Freeze the orange filling and ganache separately in airtight containers. Thaw everything in the fridge overnight before assembly for best results.
Reheating
Serve chilled or bring slices to room temperature before enjoying. Avoid microwaving the cake as it can cause the ganache to separate. Instead, let the flavor shine at its best without reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought orange juice for the filling?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is highly recommended because it gives a bright, natural citrus flavor that’s difficult to replicate with store-bought juice. However, if you must use bottled juice, choose one with no added sugars or preservatives for the best results.
What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?
Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content. This range balances sweetness and bitterness perfectly, complementing the orange flavors without overpowering them.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that is a 1:1 replacement. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.
How do I prevent the ganache from sliding off the cake?
Make sure the ganache has cooled to a pourable but slightly thickened consistency—not too warm or too runny—before pouring it over the cake. This helps it cling better and creates those lovely drips without running off completely.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
This recipe as written includes eggs, butter, and dairy. However, with substitutes like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, you can adapt it to be vegan, though the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough trying this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Rich Ganache and Orange Cream Filling Recipe for your next special occasion or just because life deserves a delicious celebration. The blend of luscious chocolate, fresh orange, and silky ganache creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Make this cake, share it with the people you love, and watch the smiles grow with every bite!
Print
Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Rich Ganache and Orange Cream Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache features moist chocolate layers infused with coffee and a luscious orange cream filling, topped with a smooth dark chocolate ganache and garnished with fresh or candied orange slices. It’s a perfect festive dessert that balances rich chocolate and bright citrus flavors, ideal for celebrations and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 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)
Orange Cream Filling
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, strained)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Garnish
- Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel
Instructions
- Prepare the cake pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Into the dry mixture, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and even.
- Incorporate hot coffee: Slowly stir in the hot coffee or hot water; the batter will become thin, which is normal and helps produce a moist cake.
- Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cake layers cool completely in their pans. Remove carefully before assembling to avoid breaking.
- Prepare orange cream filling: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Gradually add the freshly squeezed orange juice while whisking continuously. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Finish the filling: Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest and unsalted butter until smooth. Allow the filling to cool completely to room temperature.
- Make the chocolate ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add butter to ganache: Stir in the butter to enhance the shine of the ganache. Let it cool slightly, so it thickens just enough to pour without running off the sides.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the orange cream filling evenly over it. Repeat with the second layer and filling. Top with the third cake layer.
- Pour ganache: Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip attractively down the sides.
- Garnish: Decorate the cake with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the filling to achieve the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from sliding off the cake layers.
- This cake can be prepared a day ahead and stored refrigerated to allow flavors to meld and simplify serving.
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