Go Back
–+ servings
Chocolate Orange Layer Cake

Decadent Chocolate Orange Layer Cake to Brighten Your Day

Experience the delightful combination of chocolate and orange in this easy homemade Chocolate Orange Layer Cake that will brighten your day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a GF option.
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Use Dutch process cocoa for a milder taste.
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar Brown sugar could add a deeper flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder Ensure they are fresh for best results.
  • 1 tsp Baking soda Ensure they are fresh for best results.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Enhances flavor profile.
  • 4 Large eggs Vegan option: use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg).
  • 1 cup Whole milk Substitute with buttermilk for added tang.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil Melted coconut oil can be a substitute.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract Use pure for best results.
  • 1 cup Hot coffee Replace with hot water in a pinch.
For the Orange Cream Filling
  • 1/2 cup Sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Can be replaced with arrowroot powder.
  • 3 large Egg yolks Whole eggs can be used, but consistency may vary.
  • 1 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice Lemon juice can be used in an emergency.
  • 1 tbsp Orange zest Can use zest from other citrus for variation.
  • 4 tbsp Butter Vegan butter can be used for dairy-free options.
For the Ganache
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • 8 oz Chopped dark chocolate Can mix varieties of chocolate for different flavors.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cake Pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Heatproof Bowl

Method
 

Preparation and Mixing
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with grease and parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
  4. Fold hot coffee into the batter until fully combined, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembly.
Making the Filling and Ganache
  1. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Gradually stir in orange juice and cook until thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and mix in orange zest and butter. Let the cream filling cool.
  3. Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and let thicken slightly.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Layer the cooled chocolate cakes, spreading orange cream between each layer.
  2. Drizzle ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  3. Your Chocolate Orange Layer Cake is now ready to serve!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and watch the baking time to prevent dryness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!