Description
Moist, citrusy chocolate layers meet smooth buttercream and dark ganache in this unforgettable cake, garnished with candied orange slices.
Ingredients
Candied Oranges:
1½ cups (355 mL) water
1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 medium orange, thinly sliced
Dark Chocolate Cake:
Zest from 2 blood oranges
¾ cup (177 mL) olive oil
¾ cup (177 mL) blood orange juice (about 4 oranges)
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1¼ cups (296 mL) water
Blood Orange Buttercream:
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
Zest from 3 blood oranges
6 cups (720 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup (59 mL) blood orange juice
Chocolate Ganache:
½ cup (3 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup (118 mL) half and half (or ¼ cup cream + ¼ cup milk)
Instructions
Candied Oranges:
Simmer water and sugar in a shallow saucepan until dissolved.
Add orange slices in a single layer and simmer 15 minutes on each side.
Remove and let cool on a rack; optionally roll in sugar for a frosted look.
Dark Chocolate Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease four 6-inch pans or two 8-inch pans.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
Combine orange zest, juice, olive oil, and water in a separate bowl.
Fold wet into dry ingredients until smooth.
Divide batter among pans and bake 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Blood Orange Buttercream:
Beat butter and orange zest until light and fluffy.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar.
Add vanilla and orange juice; beat until smooth and creamy.
Chocolate Ganache:
Pour simmered half and half over chopped chocolate; let sit 1 minute.
Stir until smooth and glossy; cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Cake:
Layer cakes with buttercream between each layer.
Frost outside with remaining buttercream.
Chill cake for 30 minutes, then pour ganache over the top.
Garnish with candied orange slices.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best buttercream texture.
For an extra citrus punch, add a splash of orange extract to the cake batter.
Cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
