Weigh out the ingredients
I
For the cake, you'll need flour, sugar, buttermilk, eggs, oranges, cocoa powder, oil, vanilla, baking powder, and salt.
Weigh out the ingredients
II
For the ganache, you'll need chocolate, butter, and heavy cream.
In a medium bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. Rub them together with your fingers until it resembles wet sand and smells aromatic.
Mix sugar & zest
III
Whisk in the flour, cocoa powders, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Add dry ingredients
IV
In a large bowl using a whisk or an electric mixer, whisk together the buttermilk, orange juice, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Mix wet ingredients
V
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk until fully combined.
Combine wet & dry
VI
Wrap the cake strips around the outside of the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan or on a cooling rack.
Bake
VII
Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and add the chocolate and butter. Blend until smooth, then immediately pour onto the cooled cake and spread into an even layer. Top with orange zest, cut, and serve!
Make ganache & decorate
VIII