Description
There’s nothing better than Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake—a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with creamy orange cheesecake and covered in a luscious chocolate ganache. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you want to impress!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Orange Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup sour cream
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot coffee or hot water
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (for shine)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Orange zest or slices
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Orange Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and sour cream until combined.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in hot coffee or water until smooth.
- Divide batter between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling). Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then mix in butter for extra shine.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place the chilled orange cheesecake layer on top.
- Add the second chocolate cake layer.
- Pour ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Decorate with orange zest, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Chill the Cheesecake Completely – Makes assembly easier.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest – Adds the best citrusy flavor.
- For Extra Moist Cake – Brush cake layers with orange syrup before assembling.
- Let Ganache Cool Slightly – Prevents melting the cheesecake layer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American