Imagine biting into a slice of rich, decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake—a heavenly blend of moist chocolate cake, creamy orange-infused cheesecake, and silky chocolate ganache. This dessert is an absolute showstopper for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply when you want to treat yourself.
Chocolate and orange are a classic pairing, with the bittersweet depth of cocoa balancing the tangy brightness of citrus. If you’re a fan of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, this cake will take that love to the next level!
Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the ingredients and process to create this masterpiece.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Orange Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (or cashew-based cream cheese for vegan)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs (or cornstarch as an egg substitute)
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
These ingredients create a moist chocolate cake base, a rich and creamy cheesecake layer infused with citrus, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Making the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while stirring (this enhances the richness).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
2. Preparing the Orange Cheesecake Filling
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
- Add orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time (or cornstarch for egg-free).
- Pour into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
3. Assembling the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place the chilled orange cheesecake layer on top.
- Add the second chocolate cake layer over the cheesecake.
- Chill the cake before adding the ganache.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake.
- Chill the cheesecake layer well before assembling to avoid cracks.
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- Heat heavy cream until simmering (don’t boil).
- Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
- For a stunning effect, let some ganache drip down the sides.
Flavor Pairing: Why Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake Work So Well
Chocolate and orange create a perfect contrast—rich, deep chocolate flavor meets the zesty, fresh brightness of citrus. This balance excites the palate and prevents the cake from being overly sweet.
For extra flavor, you can add:
- A dash of orange liqueur to the batter.
- Candied orange slices for garnish.
- A sprinkle of sea salt to enhance depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of espresso or hot chocolate.
- Garnish with chocolate curls or orange zest for a refined look.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs or cornstarch for similar results.
2. How can I make this cake more orange-flavored?
Use orange extract or increase the orange zest and juice in the cheesecake filling.
3. What type of chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) balances the sweetness.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Make it a day before and store it in the fridge.
5. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a warm knife (dip in hot water and wipe dry) before slicing.
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the bold flavors of chocolate and orange in a stunning three-layer masterpiece. Featuring moist chocolate cake, tangy orange cheesecake, and smooth chocolate ganache, this cake is a showstopper for special occasions. Whether you’re a fan of citrus-infused chocolate or just love a creamy, rich dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Orange Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
1. Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the hot coffee until fully combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before assembling.
2. Prepare the Orange Cheesecake Filling
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add orange zest, juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until set.
- Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place the chilled orange cheesecake layer on top.
- Add the second chocolate cake layer over the cheesecake.
- Chill before adding the ganache.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until it simmers.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour over the assembled cake and spread evenly.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
Chill the cheesecake layer before assembling to prevent cracks.
For an intense orange flavor, add more zest or a dash of orange extract.
Slice with a warm knife for clean, professional-looking cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour