Decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake
Ingredients:
– For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
– For the Orange Cheesecake Filling:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– For the Chocolate Ganache:
– 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Optional garnish:
– Orange zest
– Chocolate shavings
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the orange cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over two of the cooled chocolate cake layers. Place them in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the chocolate ganache.
- To make the chocolate ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the top of the cheesecake layer on the bottom cake layer.
- Place the third chocolate cake layer on top and press down gently to secure it. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set completely.
- Before serving, garnish with orange zest and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time) | Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
FAQs:
- What ingredients do I need to make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake?
- To make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake, you will need ingredients such as all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, buttermilk, cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, orange juice, chocolate chips, and optionally, orange liqueur or extract for extra flavor.
- How do I prepare the chocolate cake layers for this cake?
- For the chocolate cake layers, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and orange zest. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- What is the process for making the orange cheesecake layer?
- To make the orange cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in orange juice and orange zest until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over one of the cooled chocolate cake layers.
- Can I prepare any components of this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare components of the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake ahead of time. The chocolate cake layers can be baked, cooled completely, and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage. The orange cheesecake layer can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembling the cake.
- How do I assemble and decorate the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake?
- To assemble the cake, place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache or frosting on top of the cake layer. Carefully place the orange cheesecake layer on top. Repeat with another layer of chocolate ganache or frosting and the final chocolate cake layer. Frost the entire cake with chocolate ganache or frosting, smoothing the sides and top. Decorate with chocolate curls, orange zest, and/or chocolate-covered orange slices for an elegant finish.
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake combines rich chocolate flavors with refreshing citrus notes, making it a delightful dessert for special occasions or celebrations!