Preheat & Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. For the cheesecake layer, grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the Chocolate Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, 2 tsp of baking powder, 1½ tsp of baking soda, and 1 tsp of salt. Add 1 cup of buttermilk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth. Gradually stir in 1 cup of hot water—don’t worry if the batter is thin, it’s meant to be that way. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake the Chocolate Cakes: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Orange Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add 1 tbsp of orange zest and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and firm. Let the cheesecake cool completely, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to set.
Prepare the Ganache: Place 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat ½ cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute. Stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the Cake: Once all components are cool, place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Top with the chilled orange cheesecake layer, ensuring it’s centered. Place the second chocolate cake layer on top. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a decadent finish.
Serve: Slice and enjoy your show-stopping Layer Cake! The contrast between the rich chocolate, the creamy orange cheesecake, and the smooth ganache is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
