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Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Ganache combines rich, moist chocolate cake layers infused with fresh orange juice and zest, layered with a luscious orange custard filling, and finished with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. Garnished with fresh or candied orange slices, this cake offers a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and bright citrus notes, ideal for celebrations or special occasions.

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 Custard Filling

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed, strained orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • ½ cup granulated 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 the cakes release easily 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 well combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Incorporate Hot Coffee: Slowly stir in the hot coffee (or hot water) to the batter. Note that the batter will be thin at this point, which is normal for this recipe.
  5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in their pans before assembling the cake.
  7. Prepare Orange Custard Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in the freshly squeezed orange juice.
  8. Cook Custard: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until it thickens to a custard consistency.
  9. Finish Custard: Remove from heat, then stir in the orange zest and unsalted butter until fully incorporated. Let the custard cool completely before using.
  10. Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
  11. Stir Ganache: Stir the chocolate and cream mixture gently until smooth and glossy. Add unsalted butter for a shiny finish, then let the ganache cool slightly so it thickens to a pourable consistency.
  12. Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Evenly spread a layer of the cooled orange custard filling over the cake.
  13. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the custard, spreading another layer of orange filling evenly.
  14. Top and Cover: Add the final cake layer on top. Pour the chocolate ganache over the entire cake, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally.
  15. Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cake with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel to enhance the flavor and presentation. Serve once the ganache has set slightly.

Notes

  • Using hot coffee in the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and ensures a moist cake.
  • Make sure the custard filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent it from melting the cake layers.
  • For best results, assemble the cake a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor variation.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

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