Print

Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache is a deliciously moist and rich dessert combining the deep flavors of cocoa with a bright orange filling. The cake features three layers of chocolate sponge, filled with a luscious orange custard, and topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache, garnished with fresh or candied orange slices. Perfect for celebrations or special occasions, this cake offers a perfect balance of citrus and chocolate flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

  • 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 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. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
  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 evenly combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Incorporate Hot Coffee: Stir in the hot coffee or hot water into the batter; the batter will be thin, which is normal and helps keep the cake moist.
  5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before removing.
  6. Prepare the Orange Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly whisk in the freshly squeezed and strained orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency.
  7. Finish Orange Filling: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest and unsalted butter until melted and fully combined. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the cake.
  8. Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it is steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the unsalted butter to add shine to the ganache. Let it cool slightly so it thickens but is still pourable.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of the orange filling over it. Repeat this step with the second cake layer, topping it with orange filling as well. Finally, place the third cake layer on top.
  10. Apply Ganache and Garnish: Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. Finish by garnishing the cake with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel for an elegant touch.

Notes

  • Ensure the orange juice is freshly squeezed for the brightest and most authentic orange flavor.
  • Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the cake to prevent it from sliding off the sides.
  • This cake can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.

Keywords: chocolate cake, orange cake, layer cake, chocolate ganache, orange custard filling, dessert, baking, celebration cake

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/chocolate-orange-layer-cake-with-ganache-recipe/