Description
This Chocolate Orange Layer Cake is more than just dessert; it’s a celebration of contrasts—dark and light, rich and refreshing, indulgent and uplifting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
For the Orange Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
For the Ganache:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Orange zest curls
- Chocolate shavings or slices
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the orange zest, juice, and mascarpone cheese until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add the butter and mix until glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of orange cream filling on top. Place the second cake layer over the filling. Pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
Decorate with orange zest curls and chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation. Chill briefly to set the ganache.