Chocolate Orange Layer Cake with Orange Curd
A moist and indulgent chocolate cake layered with zesty orange curd, perfect for celebrations or as a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 250 g plain flour
- 50 g cocoa powder adds chocolate flavor
- 2 teaspoons baking powder for rising
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda for rising
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 200 g caster sugar
- 200 g soft brown sugar adds moisture
- 240 ml buttermilk helps tenderize the cake
- 120 ml vegetable oil keeps the cake moist
- 2 large eggs for structure
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract enhances flavor
- 240 ml hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor
- 200 ml fresh orange juice adds zest and flavor
- 2 oranges zest from for flavor
For the Orange Curd
- 150 g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs for richness
- 100 g cubed unsalted butter for creaminess
For the Buttercream
- 250 g softened unsalted butter base for frosting
- 500 g icing sugar for sweetness
- 50 g cocoa powder for chocolate flavor
- 1 orange zest of
- 3-4 tablespoons orange juice to reach desired consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease and line three 20cm round cake tins.
- Sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, soft brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until just combined.
- Carefully add the hot coffee to the mixture and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared tins.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Orange Curd
- Whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, caster sugar, and eggs in a heatproof bowl placed over simmering water.
- Stir continuously until thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until fully combined.
Making the Buttercream
- Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the icing sugar and cocoa powder while mixing on low speed.
- Stir in the orange zest and orange juice to reach a spreadable consistency.
Assembling the Cake
- Place one layer of the cake on your serving plate and spread an even layer of orange curd on top.
- Add another layer of cake, repeating the process with curd, and finally place the last layer on top.
- Frost the entire cake with chocolate orange buttercream for a beautiful finish.
- Decorate with remaining orange zest or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even baking. Adjust the sweetness of the orange curd as needed.