Triple Chocolate Cake With Orange Ganache Food

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
• Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) together in a large bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or you can use a whisk) mix the oil, eggs, and vanilla together on medium-high speed until combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the hot water/coffee, and whisk or beat on low speed until the batter is completely combined. Batter is thin.
• Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Note: Even if they're completely done, the cooled cakes may *slightly* sink in the center. Cocoa powder is simply not as structurally strong as all-purpose flour and can't hold up to all the moisture necessary to make a moist tasting chocolate cake. It's normal!)
• Remove the cakes from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
• With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy - about 2 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, 3 Tablespoons heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 full minute. Do not over-whip. Add 1/4 cup more confectioners' sugar or cocoa powder if frosting is too thin or 1-2 more Tablespoons of cream if frosting is too thick. (I usually add 1 more.) Taste. Add another pinch of salt if desired.
• If cooled cakes are domed on top, use a large serrated knife to slice a thin layer off the tops to create a flat surface. This is called "leveling" the cakes. Discard or crumble over finished cake. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer and spread remaining frosting all over the top and sides. I always use an icing spatula and bench scraper for the frosting. Garnish with chocolate chips, if desired.
• Refrigerate cake for at least 30-60 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.
• Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CHOCOLATE-ORANGE CAKE WITH GANACHE GLAZE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Generously spray bottom only of 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray (without flour).
• In large bowl, beat cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.
• Bake 43 to 48 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen cake; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, in 1-quart heavy saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in orange juice, 1/4 cup water and the egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cook and stir 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons butter and the orange peel. Transfer filling to small bowl. Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes.
• In medium bowl, place chocolate. In 1-quart saucepan, heat whipping cream and 4 teaspoons butter over medium heat until butter melts and mixture boils. Pour cream mixture over chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool 10 minutes or until room temperature.
• Split cake horizontally to make 2 layers. On cut side of bottom layer, spread filling; cover with top layer. Pour glaze over top of cake; spread glaze to edge of cake and allow to drizzle down side of cake. Store in refrigerator.