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Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake, featuring rich chocolate layers and a creamy orange cheesecake filling.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake
  • 1.75 cups 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup 1 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 1 cup boiling water
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large 3 large eggs
  • 1 zest Zest of 1 orange
  • 0.25 cups 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
For the Chocolate Ganache
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz 8 oz chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) Your choice!

Method
 

Bake the Chocolate Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
  4. Slowly stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thinner — that’s normal).
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add in the vanilla, orange zest, and juice, mixing until combined.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Bake the Cheesecake
  1. Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  3. Let it cool completely in the pan before removing it.
Create the Ganache
  1. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  2. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl, letting it sit for a couple of minutes.
  3. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Assembly
  1. Once everything is cooled, layer a chocolate cake layer, spread a generous layer of cheesecake on top, followed by another chocolate cake layer.
  2. Repeat until you reach the top.
  3. Drizzle the ganache over and let it flow down the sides.
Chill and Serve
  1. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before slicing.
  2. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Notes

This cake is great for making ahead of time! For an extra pop, consider glazing the top with candied orange slices or orange zest for decoration. Feel free to switch up the chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate based on your personal preference.