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Chocolate orange cheesecake layer cake with rich chocolate and citrus flavors

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Indulge in a rich and decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake that combines the lusciousness of chocolate with the zesty brightness of orange, perfect for any celebration or a sweet treat just because.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.75 cups 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.75 cups 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar mix.
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 1 cup boiling water
  • Zest of 1 Zest of 1 large orange Adds a fresh citrus flavor.
For the Cheesecake Layer
  • 16 oz 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cups ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup orange juice
For the Ganache
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • Orange zest for garnish Orange zest for garnish (optional) Provides a beautiful finishing touch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add in the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Gradually stir in the boiling water until combined. Fold in the orange zest.
Baking the Cake Layers
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Preparing the Cheesecake Layer
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Blend in the heavy cream and orange juice until well incorporated.
Baking the Cheesecake Layer
  1. Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  2. Allow it to cool in the oven with the door cracked open for an hour. Then chill in the refrigerator.
Making the Ganache
  1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and allow it to cool slightly before using.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Layer the first chocolate cake on a serving platter, spread cheesecake on top, then add the second chocolate cake.
  2. Top with ganache and let it drizzle down the sides.
  3. Finish with a sprinkle of orange zest on top if desired.

Notes

If your cheesecake doesn't set the first time, bake longer next time. Ganache can be adjusted in thickness by adding more heavy cream. The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.