If you’re ready to dazzle your tastebuds and wow your guests, look no further than this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake. This spectacular dessert combines deeply chocolatey cake layers, a lush orange-infused cheesecake center, and a silky chocolate orange ganache—all in one impressive showstopper. Each bite is sweet, tangy, and decadently creamy, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just when you need an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cake may look fancy, but the ingredients are simple and each one plays a crucial role in the magic that is Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake. From bright citrus zest to rich cocoa and velvety cream cheese, these staples work together for a dessert you’ll want to make on repeat.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates an ultra-smooth, rich cheesecake layer—the true star at the cake’s core.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the cheesecake and cake layers, balancing the tangy and rich flavors.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and moisture throughout the cheesecake and cake components.
- Sour Cream: Adds a welcome tang and makes the cheesecake unlikely to crack.
- Vanilla Extract: Grounds the flavors and ties together the chocolate and orange notes in both layers.
- Orange Zest & Juice: The real secret to that bold, fresh orange aroma and pop of citrus flavor in every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Maintains structure in the chocolate cake for just the right amount of fluffiness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the cake its dark chocolatey depth and irresistible flavor.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cake layers rise beautifully.
- Salt: Balances out sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and orange flavors.
- Whole Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a subtle richness.
- Vegetable Oil: Results in a super soft and luscious cake crumb.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Forms the base of the glossy ganache that coats the cake in chocolate luxury.
- Heavy Cream: Transforms the chocolate into a dreamy, spreadable ganache.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds silkiness and depth to the ganache.
- Orange Liqueur (Optional): For an extra burst of citrus and a little grown-up sophistication.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Beat the cream cheese until supremely smooth and creamy, add sugar, and blend until just combined. Mixing in the eggs one at a time ensures an airy, smooth texture. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice for that delightful citrus zing. Pour your mixture into the prepared pan and bake until the center just barely jiggles. Cooling entirely, then chilling for several hours (or overnight), is the crucial step for achieving a firm, sliceable cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers
Turn your oven up to 350°F. Prepare two 9-inch round pans with a generous coating of grease and flour. Whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—right in a large bowl. Add in your wet ingredients: milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, plus that punchy orange zest. Slowly incorporate the boiling water, resulting in a thin, silky-smooth batter (don’t worry, it’ll bake up beautifully!). Split the batter evenly between your pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely for stress-free assembly.
Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Orange Ganache
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Warm the heavy cream to just below a boil and pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a couple minutes, then stir until satiny and smooth. Blend in the butter for shine and richness, orange zest for sparkle, and the orange liqueur if you want an extra special twist. Cool until it reaches a thick, luscious, spreadable consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
This is where your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake comes together! Start with one chocolate cake layer on your serving platter, top with the chilled cheesecake round (carefully loosen and remove it from the springform pan), then gently lay the second cake layer on top. Smother the cake with your chocolate orange ganache, swirling or smoothing it all over the top and sides. Chill the assembled cake for at least 1–2 hours—this makes slicing much neater and the presentation flawless.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake
Garnishes
Make your cake look as glorious as it tastes by adorning the top with chocolate curls, extra orange zest, or a scattering of candied orange peel. For a festive look, arrange delicate orange slices or edible gold leaf for added sparkle—and don’t be shy, this is a showstopper!
Side Dishes
The richness of Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake pairs beautifully with simple sides. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or orange ice cream elevates each slice. For a fresh finish, serve with a handful of mixed berries or a light citrus salad to balance the decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to add an extra wow factor, serve each slice with a drizzle of orange-chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt. You can cut the cake into small squares for a dessert buffet or build mini individual versions in mason jars for a playful twist. This cake is fantastic for birthdays, celebrations, or even as the crown jewel on your holiday dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake keeps remarkably well! Store any extra slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually become more pronounced over time, making each leftover slice extra delicious.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra cake or want to prep in advance, you can freeze the whole assembled cake or individual slices. Double wrap with plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to a month. Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
While this cake is best served chilled or at cool room temperature, you can gently microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds if you’d like the ganache to become just slightly gooey. Avoid overheating, as you want the cheesecake layer to remain firm and luscious.
FAQs
Can I make the cheesecake layer in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the cheesecake layer a day or two ahead gives it plenty of time to set. Just wrap it well and keep it chilled until ready to assemble your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake.
Can I substitute another citrus fruit for the orange?
You can swap in lemon or even blood orange zest and juice for a different citrus twist. Keep in mind, though, the classic pairing of chocolate and orange is what really makes this cake special.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, avoid over-mixing, and let the cheesecake cool gradually. A slightly jiggly center means it’s cooked to creamy perfection for your Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake.
What’s the best way to slice this cake neatly?
Chill your cake thoroughly before slicing and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. This ensures clean, distinct layers and a pro-level finish on every slice.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the chocolate cake portion and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. The cheesecake and ganache require no adjustments.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake is an absolute joy to make, decorate, and (most importantly) eat. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress and always brings people together. If you’re searching for a new signature showstopper or a treat for someone special, give this cake a try—you’ll love every decadent, citrusy, chocolate-packed bite!
Print
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Layer Cake. Layers of rich chocolate cake sandwich a creamy orange-infused cheesecake, all draped in a decadent chocolate orange ganache.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Chocolate Orange Ganache:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- For the Cheesecake Layer: Preheat oven to 325°F. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice. Bake in a springform pan until set. Chill.
- For the Chocolate Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk dry ingredients, add wet ingredients and orange zest, then mix in boiling water. Bake in cake pans.
- For the Chocolate Orange Ganache: Melt chocolate with hot cream, then add butter, orange zest, and liqueur. Cool until spreadable.
- To Assemble: Layer chocolate cake, cheesecake, and chocolate cake. Cover with ganache. Chill before slicing.
Notes
- Chill all layers well before assembly to prevent shifting.
- For a stronger orange flavor, add more zest or use orange extract in both the cake and cheesecake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 54g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
