Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
Orange Cheesecake Layer:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions:
Orange Cheesecake Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.
Assembly:
- Place one layer of the chocolate cake on a serving plate.
- Spread a thin layer of ganache on top of the cake.
- Place the orange cheesecake layer on top of the ganache.
- Spread another thin layer of ganache on top of the cheesecake.
- Place the second layer of chocolate cake on top.
- Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.