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Chocolate Orange Custard Layer Cake

This luscious cake combines rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors, all wrapped in creamy custard layers, offering a delightful experience for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Layers
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk at room temperature
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water added to the batter
For the Custard
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest freshly grated
  • 0.25 cups fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Assemble
  • Chocolate shavings or orange slices for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until blended smoothly, then carefully stir in the boiling water.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake layers cool completely.
Custard Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
Assembly
  1. Cut each cake layer in half horizontally. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread custard on top. Repeat with remaining layers.
  2. Finish with a custard layer on top.
Garnishing
  1. Top with chocolate shavings or fresh orange slices.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. You can make the layers a day in advance and assemble later. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.