Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and both sugars.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
• Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk and hot water, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
• Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat until combined.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice.
• Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly wobbly.
• Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Then, let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

• Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
• Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy, then add the butter and stir to combine.
• Let the ganache cool to room temperature, thickening as it cools.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the chocolate cakes and cheesecake layer have completely cooled, level the tops of the chocolate cakes if needed.
• Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Top with the chilled cheesecake layer, carefully removing it from the pan and placing it on the cake.
• Add the second layer of chocolate cake on top of the cheesecake layer.
• Pour the cooled ganache over the top of the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the ganache.

5. Decorate:

• Once the ganache has set, garnish the cake with orange slices and chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant touch.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is a stunning dessert that combines the richness of chocolate and the zesty brightness of orange, with a creamy cheesecake filling that adds a luxurious layer. Perfect for any celebration! 🍫🍊🍰