Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I leaned over the kitchen counter, the aromas of chocolate and orange began to dance together, creating a symphony that felt like a warm hug from the inside out. This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache is my go-to dessert for celebrating life’s little moments, whether it’s a casual brunch with friends or a surprise birthday bash. Combining rich chocolate with a zesty twist, this cake offers the perfect blend of indulgence and refreshment, all while being easy to whip up. The moist layers and creamy orange filling elevate the experience, making it a crowd-pleaser that warms the heart. Plus, it’s a treat you can prepare without breaking a sweat! Ready to create a cake that’s as delightful as it is simple? Let’s dive into the recipe! What Makes This Cake a Showstopper? Irresistible flavors: The fusion of rich chocolate and refreshing orange creates a taste sensation that tantalizes your taste buds. Easy and rewarding: Even beginner bakers can achieve impressive results with minimal effort, allowing you to shine in the kitchen. Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a cozy gathering, this cake fits right in, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile. Decadent texture: Enjoying a slice means savoring moist layers paired with a luscious ganache that adds a gourmet touch. Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it a day in advance for deeper flavors – a fabulous time-saver for busy hosts. Take your dessert game to the next level and consider pairing it with ice cream for a delightful experience! For more indulgent options, check out our Decadent Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Mousse Cake recipes. Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Ingredients For the Cake • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cake; no substitutions are recommended for best results. • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a milder taste. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake; brown sugar can add moisture and a slight caramel flavor. • Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Leavening agents that help the cake rise; ensure they are fresh for optimal results. • Salt – Enhances flavor; a pinch of sea salt can substitute standard table salt for a gourmet touch. • Large Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative. • Whole Milk – Contributes to moisture and richness; almond or oat milk can be used for dairy-free. • Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; melted coconut oil is an excellent substitution. • Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; a dash of almond extract can be an interesting twist. • Hot Coffee – Intensifies the chocolate flavor; brewed espresso can enhance richness. For the Orange Cream Filling • Granulated Sugar (for filling) – Sweetens the orange cream filling; same notes as above apply. • Cornstarch – Thickens the filling; can be omitted but may affect consistency. • Egg Yolks – Enriches the cream filling; whole eggs can be used, but consistency may vary. • Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice and Zest – Provides the orange flavor; lemon juice can be substituted for a different citrus profile. • Unsalted Butter (for filling) – Adds richness to the filling; margarine can be a non-dairy substitute. For the Ganache • Heavy Cream – Creates a smooth, glossy finish; coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free option. • Dark Chocolate – Gives the ganache a rich flavor; semi-sweet chocolate can be used for a sweeter ganache. Now that we have everything we need, let’s create a delectable Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache that is sure to impress! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache: Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache layers come out smoothly and are easy to work with later. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients well for about a minute, ensuring no lumps remain. This step lays the groundwork for a light, fluffy cake with a rich chocolate flavor. Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Add in large eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl with your dry ingredients. Mix everything together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the batter is smooth and uniform, about 2-3 minutes. This mixture will form the moist base of your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake. Step 4: Incorporate Hot Coffee Carefully stir in the hot coffee into the batter. This will thin it out a bit as you mix, enhancing the chocolate flavor. Continue to mix until well combined, ensuring all the ingredients blend seamlessly. Your cake batter will be runny, which is perfectly normal at this stage. Step 5: Bake the Layers Divide the batter equally among your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them as baking times may vary, and you want to avoid over-baking. Step 6: Cool the Cakes Once baked, take the cakes out of the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial before assembling your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache, preventing any tearing or melting of the layers. Step 7: Prepare the Orange Cream Filling In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until fully combined. Gradually add freshly squeezed orange juice, mixing well. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the orange zest and butter. Step 8: Make the Ganache For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over chopped dark chocolate in a separate bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. After this resting period, stir the mixture until you achieve a smooth, glossy ganache ready for draping over your cake. Step 9: Assemble the Cake To assemble your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake, place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the orange cream filling over the top. Add a second layer of cake and repeat the process, finishing with the final cake layer on top. Step 10: Finish with Ganache Carefully pour the warm ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. Use a spatula to smooth it out if needed, ensuring the entire cake is enveloped in a rich, chocolatey shell. Let the ganache set for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh orange slices for an appealing presentation. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; just wrap each layer in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them moist. Additionally, the orange cream filling can be prepared up to 24 hours before assembly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its lovely flavor. When ready to serve, simply reassemble the layers, add the chilled filling, and pour the ganache over the top for a beautifully finished cake that’s just as delicious as if it were freshly made! Enjoy the ease of meal prep with this delightful dessert! How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Fridge: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its moist texture and flavor. Freezer: If you’d like to keep the cake longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight, and when ready to serve, bring it to room temperature before indulging. A quick light warming in the microwave can also enhance its decadent flavors. Make-Ahead Tip: Consider preparing the Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache a day in advance. This allows the flavors to develop deeper, making it even more delightful! What to Serve with Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Enhance your delightful dessert experience with thoughtful pairings that elevate the indulgent flavors of your cake. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool sweetness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a dreamy dessert duo. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries or raspberries adds vibrant color and a tart pop that balances the sweetness of the cake. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream introduces a light, airy texture, enriching the overall dessert experience. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti offer a delightful texture contrast, perfect for dipping and enjoying alongside each slice. Espresso: A cup of bold espresso enhances the cake’s chocolate richness, while the slight bitterness rounds off the flavors beautifully. Mint Tea: Refreshing mint tea helps cleanse the palate between bites, allowing the cake’s complex flavors to shine. Chocolate-Covered Orange Slices: For a themed treat, serve chocolate-covered orange slices that echo the cake’s flavors, adding a touch of elegance. Each of these pairings brings its own unique charm, turning your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake into a memorable feast for any occasion! Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this cake to suit your taste! Let your imagination run wild with these delightful twists. Citrus Swap: Substitute orange juice with lemon or lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor. The cake takes on an entirely new personality with this refreshing change. Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra dose of decadent chocolate in every bite. This little twist elevates the chocolate experience, making it rich and satisfying. Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the batter or as a garnish for a delightful crunch. The nutty flavor complements the chocolate and orange beautifully! Vegan Delight: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and coconut cream for the ganache to create a delicious vegan version. This alteration ensures everyone can enjoy a slice! Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or a hint of cayenne pepper to the cake batter for a warm, spicy kick. This unexpected twist creates a mind-blowing flavor sensation that will surprise and delight! Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk and replace unsalted butter with margarine for a completely dairy-free indulgence. These changes ensure everyone can savor this treat! Fruit Filling: Consider mixing in some chopped fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries into the orange cream filling for added flavor and texture. Their bright acidity blends beautifully with the orange. Ice Cream Sandwich: Go all-out by serving the cake as an ice cream sandwich! Stack slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a truly indulgent summer treat. Feeling inspired? If you’re in the mood for more delightful desserts, why not explore our recipes for Bee Sting Cake or a delicious slice of Texas Chocolate Pecan? There’s no end to the delectable options you can create! Expert Tips for Chocolate Orange Layer Cake • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a uniform batter, which leads to evenly baked layers. • Patience Is Key: Allow the cakes to cool completely before layering; this prevents tearing and guarantees a beautiful presentation. • Mix Efficiently: Be careful not to over-mix after adding wet ingredients to keep the texture light and airy. • Perfect Ganache Pour: Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring over the cake for a smooth draping effect. • Creative Variations: Consider adding chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence, or use lemon juice for a citrus twist in your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache. Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right oranges for the filling? When selecting oranges for your filling, look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have a vibrant, smooth skin. Avoid oranges with dark spots or wrinkles, as these can indicate overripeness. Freshly juiced oranges will give the best flavor, so opt for ones that are not overly soft or dry. What’s the best way to store leftover cake? To keep your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have already cut the cake, cover the exposed areas with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. This method helps maintain its moist texture while preserving the indulgent flavors. Can I freeze the Chocolate Orange Layer Cake? Absolutely! To freeze your cake, first ensure it is completely cooled. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double-wrapping helps prevent freezer burn. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then allow it to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste. What should I do if my cake layers collapse while baking? If your cake layers fall in the center, it could be due to over-mixing the batter or opening the oven door too soon. Make sure to mix the wet ingredients just until incorporated with the dry ingredients for a lighter texture. Also, resist the urge to open the oven until the baking time is nearly up – this helps maintain a stable temperature and ensures proper rising. Is this cake safe for people with nut allergies? Yes, this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache recipe is nut-free unless you choose to add nuts as a garnish. For those with dietary considerations, be sure to check labels on your ingredients, especially for any processed items like baking powder or chocolate, which may have cross-contamination risks. How can I make this cake vegan? To adapt the Chocolate Orange Layer Cake for a vegan diet, substitute ingredients accordingly. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg), almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and coconut oil for vegetable oil. Be sure to check that your chocolate and other ingredients are dairy-free as well! Irresistible Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Bliss This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache combines rich chocolate with a zesty twist, creating a dessert that's perfect for any celebration. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: CakesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 420 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake2 cups All-Purpose Flour No substitutions for best results.3/4 cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Dutch-processed cocoa can be used.1 cups Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can add moisture.1 tablespoon Baking Powder Ensure freshness for optimal results.1 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure freshness for optimal results.1/2 teaspoon Salt A pinch of sea salt can enhance flavor.2 Large Eggs Flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative.1 cups Whole Milk Almond or oat milk can be used.1/2 cups Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil is an excellent substitution.2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract A dash of almond extract can be a twist.1 cups Hot Coffee Brewed espresso can enhance richness.For the Orange Cream Filling1/2 cups Granulated Sugar Same notes as above apply.1 tablespoon Cornstarch Can be omitted but may affect consistency.3 large Egg Yolks Whole eggs can be used.1 cups Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Lemon juice can be substituted.1 tablespoon Orange Zest3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Margarine can be a non-dairy substitute.For the Ganache1 cups Heavy Cream Coconut cream can be used for dairy-free.8 ounces Dark Chocolate Semi-sweet chocolate can be used. Equipment 8-inch round cake pansmixing bowlswhiskElectric mixerSaucepanspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together for about a minute.Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and mix until smooth and uniform, about 2-3 minutes.Carefully stir in the hot coffee until well combined.Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.For the filling, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Gradually add orange juice and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, then stir in zest and butter.For the ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.To assemble, layer cake, spreading orange cream filling between layers, finishing with the final cake layer.Pour warm ganache over the top of the cake and let it drip down the sides. Smooth out if necessary and let set before garnishing. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesAllow all ingredients to reach room temperature for best results. Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
