Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

• Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

• Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

• Divide into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment.

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.

• Mix in sour cream, vanilla, orange zest, and juice.

• Pour into pan and bake 45–50 minutes until set at edges but slightly jiggly in center. Cool and refrigerate 4 hours.

Make the Ganache

• Heat cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate.

• Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add butter and orange extract.

Assemble the Cake

• Place one chocolate cake layer on a board. Spread ganache on top.

• Place cheesecake layer over it. Spread more ganache.

• Top with second chocolate cake layer.

• Pour remaining ganache over cake, letting it drip down sides.

Decorate and Serve

• Garnish with candied orange slices, chocolate curls, or whipped cream.

• Chill 1 hour before slicing for neat layers.