Description
Indulgent chocolate orange cheesecake layer cake merges rich cocoa with zesty citrus in a luxurious dessert. Creamy cheesecake layers and velvety chocolate sponge promise a memorable slice that delights you with complex, harmonious flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (16 ounces/454 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 orange zest
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers:
(None in this recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the chocolate cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water until the batter achieves a uniform consistency.
- Evenly distribute the cake batter between the prepared pans, ensuring smooth surface coverage.
- Bake the cake layers for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 1 hour.
- While cakes cool, create the cheesecake filling by whisking cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
- In a separate chilled bowl, vigorously whip heavy cream until it forms sturdy, defined peaks.
- Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using a folding technique to maintain the mixture’s light and airy consistency.
- Position the first chocolate cake layer on a decorative serving platter.
- Carefully spread half of the cheesecake mixture across the first cake layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently place the second chocolate cake layer atop the first, creating a beautiful two-tier dessert.
- Generously cover the entire cake with the remaining cheesecake mixture, creating a smooth, elegant finish.
- Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
Notes
- Ensure cake layers are completely cool before adding cheesecake filling to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free cheesecake mixture that blends effortlessly.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Zest orange carefully to avoid bitter white pith, using only the bright orange outer layer for maximum citrusy flavor without bitterness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg