If you’re searching for a true showstopper dessert, look no further than this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake. This masterpiece combines two beloved classics—a moist, deeply chocolatey cake and a lusciously creamy orange cheesecake—all blanketed in a decadent chocolate ganache. The interplay of bright, fresh orange and rich chocolate makes every bite exciting, and the stunning layers will draw “oohs” and “aahs” from anyone lucky enough to share a slice. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this is the dessert that turns an ordinary day into a memory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that each ingredient plays a starring role, from the cocoa that brings unbeatable depth to the chocolate cake, to the fresh orange zest that perfumes the cheesecake layer. With a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh items, you’ll create a dessert that feels both luxe and comforting.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for both the cake and cheesecake layers, ensuring the perfect dense-yet-tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the chocolate cake’s signature rich, dark color and bold flavor.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners help the cake rise beautifully, resulting in light, airy layers that don’t overwhelm the cheesecake.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens each layer and helps with the texture of both cake and cheesecake.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture to the cake, making each bite tender and soft.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist, even when chilled.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds irresistible aroma to both cake and cheesecake.
- Boiling water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and thins the batter for a beautifully light cake texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the creamy cheesecake layer—make sure it’s softened for smooth blending.
- All-purpose flour (for cheesecake): Helps the cheesecake set up firmly and slice cleanly.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy note and creamy consistency to the cheesecake.
- Orange zest: Infuses the cheesecake with vibrant citrus fragrance—zest only the bright orange part for best flavor.
- Fresh orange juice: Lends a natural orange flavor that keeps the cheesecake layer tasting fresh and lively.
- Heavy cream: The backbone of a lush, pourable ganache.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped): Melts into the ganache, giving it glossy sheen and deep flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds shine and a silky finish to the ganache.
- Optional garnish (orange zest, chocolate curls, candied orange slices): These make your finished masterpiece as impressive to look at as it tastes.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and free of lumps. Next, add the flour, egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix just until fully combined—overbeating can introduce too much air. Pour the batter into your greased and lined 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggles. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan, then chill it for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to ensure it’s firm enough for stacking.
Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers
Increase your oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Grab two 9-inch round cake pans, grease well, and line with parchment for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Pour in the boiling water last, stirring carefully to thin the batter. Divide the glossy batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs attached. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely—this prevents them from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
When your cakes and cheesecake are thoroughly chilled, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it’s simmering—don’t let it boil, as that can scorch the cream. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, then stir gently until smooth, glossy, and irresistibly creamy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly; you want it pourable, not runny.
Step 4: Assemble the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake
To assemble, place one layer of chocolate cake on your serving platter; a dab of ganache beneath it keeps everything stable. Carefully remove the cheesecake from its pan and lay it atop the cake layer. Top the cheesecake with the second chocolate cake layer. Pour your cooled but still runny ganache over the top, gently nudging it to drip elegantly down the sides. For the neatest result, chill the whole cake briefly to set the ganache before serving or garnishing. This is the moment your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake comes to life—a true centerpiece!
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake just before serving to make it extra festive. A twist of fresh orange zest adds a pop of color and citrusy aroma, while a sprinkle of chocolate curls delivers instant decadence. For show-stopping flair, try artfully arranging candied orange slices on top—they look impressive and invite your guests to dig right in.
Side Dishes
This cake is a star all on its own, but if you want to round out the dessert course, pair it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a citrusy tea balances the richness and highlights the orange notes in the cheesecake layer. Keep sides simple so the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake remains the hero.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant party platter, slice the cake into slim wedges and line each piece with a drizzle of extra ganache. Individual slices topped with a combination of orange zest and chocolate curls look especially tempting. At a holiday gathering, add a touch of edible gold leaf for a luxurious finish. Or, cut the cake into mini portions for a dramatic dessert buffet—each one a petite masterpiece of chocolate and orange delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake delicious, store any leftovers well-wrapped in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight! Just make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors. This cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, the cake can be frozen either whole or as individual slices. Wrap each piece (or the entire cake) well in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and let come slightly to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
While the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, if you love a slightly melty ganache, try microwaving a slice for 10 seconds. Just enough warmth will soften the ganache and the chocolate cake, creating a lusciously gooey effect. Be careful not to overheat or the cheesecake may lose its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?
Yes, a few drops of high-quality orange extract can brighten the cheesecake layer if you don’t have fresh oranges on hand. However, zest offers natural oils and fragrance that really set this cake apart!
What if I don’t have a springform pan for the cheesecake?
A springform pan is ideal for easy removal, but you can use a regular cake pan lined with plenty of parchment paper to lift the cheesecake out. Be sure to let it chill thoroughly before unmolding.
Can the cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour in both the cake and cheesecake layers. Double-check all other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free as well.
How do I get my ganache smooth and shiny every time?
Always pour hot (not boiling) cream over finely chopped chocolate, and let it sit to melt before stirring gently. Adding a bit of unsalted butter ensures a glossy, silky finish for draping your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake.
Can I make the layers in advance?
Definitely! The cheesecake layer can be baked and chilled a day ahead, and the chocolate cake layers can be baked, wrapped, and refrigerated for up to two days before assembly. This makes putting the whole cake together a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is the kind of dessert that turns gatherings into celebrations and quiet nights into special occasions. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to request for birthdays and holidays—one bite and you’ll know why! Get ready for rave reviews and happy faces around your table.
Print
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake, a luscious combination of rich chocolate cake layers sandwiching a creamy orange-infused cheesecake layer, all draped in velvety chocolate ganache. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a stunning and scrumptious treat.
Ingredients
For the chocolate cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the orange cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
For the chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Optional garnish:
- orange zest
- chocolate curls
- candied orange slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line pans.
- Make the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg, vanilla, sour cream, orange zest, and juice. Bake in springform pan.
- Prepare the chocolate cake: Whisk dry ingredients. Beat sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in boiling water. Bake in cake pans.
- Make the ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble: Layer cakes and cheesecake, then pour ganache over the top. Chill to set. Garnish before serving.
Notes
- For stronger orange flavor, add orange extract to the cheesecake batter.
- Cheesecake can be made a day ahead for easier layering.
- Ensure cakes and cheesecake are fully chilled before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
