If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and zesty citrus, you’re in for a treat with this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe. This cake is a gorgeous showstopper—layers of moist chocolate sponge infused with orange juice, filled with luscious orange cream, and crowned with a silky dark chocolate ganache. It’s a delightful harmony of flavors that feel both indulgent and refreshingly bright, perfect for any celebration or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you can easily find, yet each element brings something special to the cake’s texture, flavor, and overall appeal. From the deep cocoa powder giving that intense chocolate kick, to the fresh orange juice adding vibrant citrus notes, every ingredient plays an essential role.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s soft, tender crumb that holds everything together beautifully.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the rich chocolate flavor and dark color that makes this cake so irresistible.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a moist, tender texture.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure for a fluffy, stable cake.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for that perfect crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender without heaviness.
- Hot coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor depth without any coffee bitterness.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Infuses the cake with zesty brightness and natural sweetness.
- Dark chocolate (chopped): The star ingredient for the silky ganache topping that melts on the tongue.
- Heavy cream: Blended with chocolate to create the ultimate rich, glossy ganache finish.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this ensures your layers come out clean and perfect, which is crucial for a polished look in this layer cake.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for an even distribution and to ensure your cake rises evenly. Next, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and velvety. Slowly incorporate the hot coffee; this step enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist without adding any coffee taste.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide your luscious batter equally among the prepared pans. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer them to wire racks and let cool completely. Patience here pays off because cooled layers hold the orange filling beautifully without sliding.
Step 4: Prepare the Orange Filling
In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir over medium heat until thickened into a creamy custard-like filling. Remove from heat and fold in orange zest and butter to deepen the flavor and add a velvety richness. This bright filling provides an irresistible citrus contrast to the chocolate layers.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
Heat the heavy cream just until it’s steaming, then pour over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. This luscious ganache is what gives the cake its final decadent touch.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Now for the fun part: layering! Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of the orange filling on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, then pour the rich ganache over the entire cake, letting it drizzle naturally down the sides. This elegant drip effect pairs perfectly with the cake’s flavor duo.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe
Garnishes
A few carefully chosen garnishes can elevate your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe even more. Consider topping with fresh orange slices, candied orange peel, or a sprinkle of cocoa nibs to complement the cake’s flavors and add visual interest that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This cake truly shines as a standalone dessert, but if you want to make your presentation pop, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream. A small cup of espresso or freshly brewed tea also pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the chocolate and cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the cake and serve in clear glass dessert plates to showcase the beautiful layers of chocolate and orange filling. Alternatively, create mini versions in ramekins by layering cake crumbs, filling, and ganache for an elegant, individual treat that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, keep your cake covered in the refrigerator to preserve the freshness of the orange filling and ganache. Stored this way, the cake will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every slice.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to freeze the layers separately before assembly. Wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen up to 1 month. Thaw layers completely before making the orange filling and ganache to assemble fresh.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture of the ganache and filling. Simply take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving to let it come to room temp for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?
While orange extract can provide a citrus flavor, fresh orange juice adds natural acidity and brightness that elevates the cake’s flavor immensely. For the best results, stick with fresh juice in this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe.
Is the coffee taste noticeable in the cake?
The hot coffee enhances the chocolate’s richness without imparting a coffee flavor, so even those who don’t usually like coffee will enjoy this cake’s deep, complex chocolate taste.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
You can, but using oil helps maintain moisture and tenderness in the cake. Butter tends to make cakes a bit denser, so if you prefer a lighter texture, vegetable oil is the way to go.
How long does it take for the ganache to set?
Ganache will firm up after about 1 hour in the fridge but remains creamy and soft enough to slice through easily, providing the perfect finish to this cake.
Can this cake be made in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day ahead, prepare the filling and ganache, and assemble the cake on the day of your event. This makes it convenient and ensures the freshest flavors for your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe is one of those magical desserts that impresses everyone while actually being straightforward to make. The marriage of intense chocolate and lively orange creates a cake that’s both luxurious and comforting. Honestly, once you try it, it’s going to become one of your go-to showstoppers to share with family and friends. So go ahead, dig into the recipe, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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 luscious Chocolate Orange Layer Cake featuring moist cocoa layers infused with coffee and orange juice, layered with a vibrant orange filling and topped with a rich dark chocolate ganache. This elegant cake beautifully balances deep chocolate flavors with bright citrus notes, perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Orange Filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Ganache
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Gradually stir in the hot coffee to incorporate fully.
- Bake the cake layers: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the orange filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and orange juice. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the orange zest and butter until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool.
- 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 melt. Stir until smooth and shiny.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of orange filling evenly over it. Repeat layering with remaining cakes and filling. Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip elegantly down the sides. Let ganache set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brewed coffee with strong black tea if preferred.
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting the filling or ganache.
- The orange filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to save time.
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the filling.
- Store the assembled cake refrigerated and serve at room temperature.
