Chocolate Orange Layer Cake 🍫🍊

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240ml) milk

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or hot water

For the Orange Cream Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• ⅓ cup (70g) sugar

• Zest of 2 oranges

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Orange Layer

• 3–4 oranges, peeled and segmented

• 2 tbsp orange marmalade

• 1 tbsp water

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate, chopped

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

Garnish

• Chocolate shavings

• Orange slices

• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

5. Slowly stir in the hot coffee.

6. Divide batter evenly between pans.

7. Bake for 30–35 minutes.

8. Cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Cream

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

2. Add orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.

4. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

5. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Layer

1. Combine marmalade and water in a small saucepan.

2. Warm gently until smooth.

3. Toss orange segments lightly in the glaze.

4. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream until steaming.

2. Pour over chopped chocolate.

3. Let sit for 2 minutes.

4. Stir until glossy and smooth.

5. Cool slightly before using.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread half of the orange cream filling evenly.

3. Arrange glazed orange segments over the cream.

4. Add the second cake layer.

5. Cover the top with remaining orange cream.

6. Pour chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides.

7. Decorate with chocolate curls, orange slices, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving Tips

• Chill for 1–2 hours before slicing.

• Serve with coffee, espresso, or black tea.

• Best enjoyed within 3 days when refrigerated.

Yield

• 8–10 servings

Preparation Time

• Prep: 40 minutes

• Bake: 35 minutes

• Chill: 1 hour

• Total: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

This cake combines rich dark chocolate, silky orange cream, fresh citrus segments, and glossy ganache for a dessert that is both elegant and intensely flavorful. 🍊🍫✨