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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Rich Ganache and Orange Cream Filling Recipe

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  • Author: Elina
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Cool the cakes: Let the cake layers cool completely in their pans. Remove carefully before assembling to avoid breaking.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Pour ganache: Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip attractively down the sides.
  13. 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.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/chocolate-orange-layer-cake-with-rich-ganache-and-orange-cream-filling-recipe/