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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Orange Layer Cake features rich chocolate layers infused with a hint of coffee and bright orange zest, layered with a luscious orange custard filling and topped with a smooth dark chocolate ganache. Garnished with fresh or candied orange slices, this cake offers a perfect balance of citrus and chocolate for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

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 ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
  4. Incorporate hot coffee: Stir in the hot coffee (or hot water), which will thin the batter and enhance the chocolate flavor.
  5. Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans before assembling the cake.
  7. Prepare orange filling: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly add the fresh orange juice while whisking continuously.
  8. Cook filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard consistency.
  9. Finish orange filling: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the orange zest and unsalted butter until fully incorporated. Allow the filling to cool completely.
  10. Make chocolate ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
  11. Melt chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes to melt, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
  12. Add butter to ganache: Stir in the unsalted butter to give the ganache a shiny finish. Let it cool slightly before using.
  13. Assemble the cake layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of the cooled orange filling over it.
  14. Add second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the orange filling and spread the remaining orange filling evenly.
  15. Top with third layer: Place the final cake layer on top.
  16. Pour ganache: Pour the cooled ganache evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
  17. Garnish: Decorate the cake with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel for a vibrant and elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the filling and ganache from melting.
  • Using hot coffee in the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor but can be substituted with hot water if preferred.
  • For a more intense orange flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice.
  • Ganache should be cooled slightly to a pourable but not runny consistency for best coverage.
  • Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: chocolate orange cake, layered cake, orange custard, chocolate ganache, coffee chocolate cake, citrus chocolate dessert

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