Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Here’s a recipe for a decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Orange Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Chocolate Cake Layers:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
   • In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
   • Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
   • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; then remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
2. Make the Orange Cheesecake Filling:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round springform pan with parchment paper.
   • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
   • Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet.
   • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
3. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
   • Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then gently whisk until smooth and shiny.
   • Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Let ganache cool until slightly thickened but still pourable.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top.
   • Carefully remove the chilled orange cheesecake layer from the springform pan and place it on top of the ganache layer.
   • Spread another layer of chocolate ganache over the cheesecake layer.
   • Top with the second chocolate cake layer and repeat with ganache.
   • Place the third chocolate cake layer on top. Pour the remaining ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to set the ganache.
5. Serve:
   • Slice and serve this indulgent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake. Enjoy the rich chocolate cake layers complemented by the creamy, citrusy orange cheesecake filling and decadent chocolate ganache!