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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache is a decadent dessert combining rich cocoa flavors with bright citrus notes. Layers of moist chocolate cake are filled with a smooth orange custard and topped with a shiny dark chocolate ganache, garnished with fresh or candied orange slices for an elegant finish. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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)

For the 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

For the Ganache:

  • 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Garnish:

  • Fresh orange slices or candied orange peel

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes 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: Crack in the eggs, then pour in the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix the batter until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Incorporate hot coffee: Carefully stir in the hot coffee or hot water. The batter will become thin, which is expected and helps keep the cakes moist.
  5. Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool completely in the pans before assembling the cake.
  7. Make the orange filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly add the strained orange juice while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
  8. Cook the filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency, taking care to avoid lumps.
  9. Finish filling: Remove from heat, then stir in the fresh orange zest and unsalted butter until smooth. Let the filling cool completely before use.
  10. Prepare the ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it is steaming but not boiling.
  11. Combine with chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
  12. Mix ganache: Stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Add the butter and stir again for a shiny finish. Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it thickens but is still pourable.
  13. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of the cooled orange filling over the cake.
  14. Add second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and spread more orange filling evenly over that layer.
  15. Top with third layer: Finish by placing the third cake layer on top, creating three stacked layers.
  16. Pour ganache: Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the entire cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, decadent look.
  17. Garnish and serve: Decorate the cake with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel to add a burst of citrus aroma and an elegant touch. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • For the best orange flavor, use freshly squeezed and strained orange juice.
  • Make sure the cakes are completely cool before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
  • You can prepare the orange filling and ganache a day ahead and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before assembling.
  • If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, use brewed espresso instead of hot water.
  • The cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to one month.

Keywords: chocolate orange cake, layer cake, chocolate ganache, orange custard filling, chocolate dessert, citrus chocolate cake

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