Scale

For the cake:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1 tbsp orange zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the ganache:

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp butter

1/2 tsp orange extract (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, oil, buttermilk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

7. To make ganache, heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes.

8. Add butter and orange extract (if using), then stir until smooth and glossy.

9. Frost cooled cake layers with ganache. Chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the richest flavor.

You can bake the layers a day ahead and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Add candied orange slices on top for an elegant touch.

Keywords: chocolate orange cake, rich ganache layer cake, orange zest dessert, decadent chocolate cake recipe