If you have a sweet tooth with a love for bold flavors, this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe is a sensational treat you simply must try. Imagine rich, moist chocolate cake layers infused with a hint of coffee warmth, perfectly complemented by a luscious orange cream filling bursting with fresh citrus brightness. Topped off with a silky dark chocolate ganache and adorned with vibrant orange zest, this cake delivers an irresistible harmony of chocolate and orange, making every bite a celebration. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy dessert indulgence, this recipe promises wow-worthy results that will delight everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the cocoa powder that gives the cake its deep chocolate color to the fresh orange juice and zest that brighten up the filling, each component is simple yet essential for creating this extraordinary dessert.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake structure that keeps it tender yet sturdy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a moist crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Offers rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Critical leaveners to ensure fluffy and light cake layers.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Large eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind ingredients together.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and softness to the cake texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender for days.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate and orange flavors with subtle warmth.
- Boiling water or hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate taste and melts the cocoa powder perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a fluffy base for the orange cream filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for that dreamy frosting texture.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds juicy freshness and tartness to the filling.
- Orange zest: Delivers a punch of citrus aroma and flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adjusts the filling consistency and makes the ganache silky smooth.
- Dark chocolate (chopped): The star ingredient of the ganache, lending richness and gloss.
- Orange slices or zest (for garnish): Adds decorative flair and a fresh citrus touch.
- Extra melted chocolate (optional): For drizzling on top to impress chocolate lovers.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Cake Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This step guarantees your cakes come out perfectly shaped and ready for layering.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients sets the stage for the rich, tender cake you’re about to create.
Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients and Creating Batter
Beat the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture until smooth. Then, gradually stir in the boiling water or hot coffee, which will deepen the chocolate flavor and yield a velvety batter that’s easy to pour.
Step 4: Baking the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely—patience here ensures the filling won’t melt later.
Step 5: Whipping Up the Orange Cream Filling
For the luscious filling, beat softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar alternately with freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest. Adjust with heavy cream if necessary until you achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting bursting with citrus flavor.
Step 6: Making the Silky Chocolate Ganache
Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Stir gently until the chocolate melts and the mixture is silky and glossy. Let this cool slightly to thicken but still be pourable for topping the cake.
Step 7: Assembling Your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick and even layer of the orange cream filling over it. Carefully top with the second cake layer, then pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the top, letting it gently cascade down the sides for that gorgeous finish.
Step 8: Final Touches and Garnishes
Garnish your cake with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of orange zest. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top to add a professional flair and an extra burst of chocolate goodness.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh orange slices or zest are classic garnishes that highlight the citrus notes of the cake and add a lovely pop of color. You can also sprinkle finely chopped candied orange peel for added texture and sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a citrus-infused tea also complements the rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into elegant wedges and serving on patterned plates with a sprig of fresh mint. For a party, cut the cake into small squares for bite-sized treats and place on a platter surrounded by candied orange slices for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, resulting in an even tastier treat the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze individual cake layers or the assembled cake wrapped well in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then add fresh garnishes for the best experience.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, let slices sit out for about 30 minutes to soften any ganache that has firmed up in the fridge. Avoid microwave reheating as it may alter the texture of the orange cream filling.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?
Fresh orange juice and zest provide a vibrant, natural citrus flavor that orange extract can’t quite replicate. However, if you don’t have fresh oranges, a high-quality orange extract can be used sparingly to mimic the flavor.
Is it necessary to use coffee in the cake batter?
Using boiling water or hot coffee enhances the depth of chocolate flavor, but if you prefer not to use coffee, hot water alone works perfectly fine without altering the cake’s moisture or texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture and structure.
How do I know when the cake layers are baked perfectly?
Insert a toothpick into the center of each cake layer. When it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), the cakes are done baking.
Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! Making the cake a day ahead allows the flavors to develop, and the cake will hold up beautifully. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight for a fuss-free dessert on the day you need it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way chocolate and orange combine, and this Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe captures that magic in every delicious bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special celebration or just because, it’s sure to impress and satisfy your cravings. Don’t wait to try making this showstopper at home — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate Orange Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent and moist Chocolate Orange Layer Cake featuring rich chocolate cake layers paired with a citrusy orange cream filling and topped with silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations, this cake beautifully balances deep chocolate flavors with bright hints of fresh orange.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 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
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee
For the Orange Cream Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (as needed)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Orange slices or zest
- Extra melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined for a uniform texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the batter until smooth, then gradually stir in the boiling water or hot coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor and loosen the batter for a moist crumb.
- Bake the Cake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Orange Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest. Adjust the filling’s consistency by adding heavy cream as needed to make it spreadable and creamy.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it’s just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let sit for a minute to soften. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly for easier pouring.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of orange cream filling over the top. Gently place the second cake layer on top. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cake with fresh orange slices or orange zest on top. Optionally, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the cake for added decoration and flavor. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For enhanced chocolate flavor, use hot coffee instead of boiling water in the cake batter.
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before assembling to prevent the filling and ganache from melting.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more or less powdered sugar according to taste.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- To make slicing easier, chill the cake slightly after ganache application.
