Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Grand Marnier or orange liqueur
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Ganache:
- 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or orange liqueur
Instructions
To make the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Beat in Grand Marnier and vanilla extract.
Add flour mixture to butter and sugar mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk, and mixing until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove cake from oven and allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the ganache: Place chopped chocolates in a medium bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just boiling. Pour cream over chocolates and stir until fully melted and smooth. Stir in Grand Marnier. Allow ganache to cool slightly before pouring over cooled cake.
Nutrition
This Chocolate Grand Marnier Cake contains 541 calories per serving. It is high in carbohydrates, with 76 grams per serving. It is low in fat, with only 15 grams per serving, and low in protein, with 6 grams per serving. It does not contain any fiber or sugar. This cake is a great option for those looking for a decadent, special occasion dessert.
Tips and Tricks
For a more intense orange flavor, you can substitute orange juice for the buttermilk in the cake batter. You can also add a few teaspoons of orange zest to the cake batter for an extra boost of orange. If you’d like to reduce the calories in this recipe, you can use non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the buttermilk in the cake batter. The ganache can also be made with non-dairy cream, such as coconut cream, if you’d like to make a vegan version of this cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Grand Marnier Cake is best served at room temperature. It can be served on its own, or topped with fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries. It can also be served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Grand Marnier Cake is a decadent, rich cake that is sure to please. It is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, or just a delicious treat to enjoy with family and friends, this Chocolate Grand Marnier Cake is sure to be a hit!