The Ultimate Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe

Layers of rich chocolate mingle with zesty orange in this incredible chocolate orange cheesecake layer cake that promises pure dessert magic.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright citrus notes, creating a sophisticated treat.

Decadent chocolate sponge provides a luxurious foundation for tangy cheesecake filling.

Delicate orange essence weaves through each stunning slice, surprising taste buds with complex flavors.

Smooth cream cheese frosting adds a silky finish that completes this irresistible masterpiece.

Bakers who love bold flavor combinations will absolutely adore this show-stopping dessert.

You cannot resist diving into every single delectable bite of this extraordinary cake.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

• Pair Citrus-Forward Cocktails: Create zesty orange martinis or mimosas that complement the cake's bright orange notes, enhancing the dessert's refreshing flavor profile.
• Match Robust Red Wines: Select medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Merlot, which balance the cake's rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake textures without overpowering the delicate orange undertones.
• Serve with Espresso Drinks: Offer Italian-style espresso or cappuccino alongside the cake, allowing the coffee's deep, roasted flavors to contrast beautifully with the sweet, tangy dessert.
• Recommend Dessert Wine Pairing: Choose a sweet Moscato or Orange Muscat that echoes the cake's citrus elements while providing a complementary liquid dessert experience.

Storage Tips for Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Unwrap and thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power.

FAQs for Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

• How do I know if the cheesecake layer is fully baked?

Look for a slightly jiggly center that’s set around the edges. When you gently shake the pan, the middle should wobble slightly but not be liquid. The top should look matte and slightly firm.

• Can I use fresh or bottled orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is best for the most vibrant flavor. If using bottled, choose 100% pure orange juice without added sugars for the most authentic taste.

• What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?

Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. This ensures a rich, smooth ganache that sets beautifully and complements the orange flavor.

Reasons to Love Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

• Craft a Decadent Dessert: Combine rich chocolate cake layers with tangy orange cheesecake for a show-stopping treat that impresses guests and satisfies serious sweet cravings.
• Conquer Complex Flavors: Blend chocolate and orange in a sophisticated dessert that elevates your baking skills, offering a gourmet experience without professional training.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: Perfect for special celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties where you want to make a memorable culinary statement.
• Master Layered Baking Technique: Learn to assemble multiple components into a stunning dessert that looks professionally made but can be prepared in your home kitchen.

Ingredients for Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A boxed mix that provides the rich chocolate foundation for the layered dessert.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the orange-flavored cheesecake layer.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Helps bind and set the cheesecake layer.

• Chocolate Chips: Melts into a rich ganache to cover the entire cake.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and glossy ganache topping.

• Orange Zest: Provides a bright and citrusy flavor to the cheesecake layer.
• Orange Juice: Adds moisture and intensifies the orange flavor in the cheesecake.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent the cakes and cheesecake from sticking to the pans.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Cake Layers

Warm up your oven to 350F. Follow the chocolate cake mix package instructions carefully. Divide the batter evenly between two round cake pans. Bake the cakes according to the package directions until they’re perfectly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Orange Cheesecake Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and whip the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Blend in the sugar and fragrant orange zest. Crack in the eggs and splash of orange juice, mixing thoroughly until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. Pour the cheesecake batter into a greased springform pan. Bake at 325F for about 40 minutes, watching for a firm set with a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 3: Create Decadent Chocolate Orange Layers

Once the chocolate cakes and cheesecake have completely cooled, carefully position the orange cheesecake between the two chocolate cake layers. This creates a stunning and delicious center that will make mouths water.

Step 4: Finish with Luxurious Chocolate Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir gently and patiently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, smooth ganache. Drizzle the ganache over the entire layered cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to let the ganache set and the flavors meld together.

Pro Tips for Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

• Boost Orange Flavor: Add extra orange zest to the cheesecake mixture for a more intense citrus profile that complements the rich chocolate.
• Control Ganache Consistency: Allow ganache to cool slightly before pouring to achieve a smooth, glossy finish that drips elegantly down the cake sides.
• Test Cheesecake Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the cheesecake – it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs to indicate perfect baking.
• Enhance Texture Balance: Use room temperature ingredients for both cheesecake and ganache to create a smoother, more harmonious final dessert.

Variation Ideas for Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips for the ganache. Swap orange juice with dairy-free milk and orange extract.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace wheat-based ingredients with almond or coconut flour alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Vegan Alternative: Create plant-based cheesecake layer using cashew cream cheese, almond milk, and egg replacement like flax eggs. Select vegan chocolate cake mix and dairy-free ganache ingredients.

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes plus chilling time of at least 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chocolate and orange dance harmoniously in this luscious chocolate orange cheesecake layer cake, a dessert that whispers luxury with each delectable slice. Rich chocolate sponge embraces creamy cheesecake, while zesty orange notes elevate you to a realm of pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup orange juice

Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange zest

Topping and Decoration:

• 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (for ganache)

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Instructions

1. Craft chocolate cake batter according to package directions, evenly distributing between two round cake pans. Bake at 350F (175C) following package instructions.
2. Whip cream cheese with sugar and orange zest until silky and uniform. Incorporate eggs and orange juice, blending thoroughly until mixture is smooth and integrated.
3. Transfer cheesecake mixture into a prepared springform pan. Bake at 325F (163C) for approximately 40 minutes, ensuring center is set and slightly firm to touch.
4. Allow chocolate cake layers and cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, preventing potential structural breakdown during assembly.
5. Carefully position orange cheesecake layer between the two chocolate cake rounds, creating a precise and balanced vertical profile.
6. Prepare ganache by gently heating heavy cream until microscopic bubbles form around edges of saucepan. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips.
7. Stir ganache mixture continuously until achieving a glossy, uniform consistency with no visible chocolate fragments.
8. Generously drizzle warm ganache over assembled cake, ensuring even coverage and allowing excess to cascade down sides naturally.
9. Refrigerate cake for minimum 30 minutes, permitting ganache to solidify and flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

• Prevent cake from sticking by thoroughly greasing and flouring cake pans, or using parchment paper liners.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Chill the cheesecake layer completely before assembling to maintain structural integrity and clean layering.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative or homemade gluten-free chocolate cake recipe.
• Create a more intense orange flavor by adding a splash of orange liqueur to the cheesecake mixture or ganache.
• Prevent ganache from breaking by using high-quality chocolate and stirring gently while adding hot cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 484 kcal
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 318 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 122 mg