Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight? Look no further than this irresistible Chocolate Raspberry Cake recipe. With layers of moist chocolate cake, tangy raspberry filling, and creamy frosting, this cake is a surefire way to elevate any celebration to the next level. Follow along as we guide you through creating this masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups hot water

1 and 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp unsweetened natural cocoa powder

3 cups cake flour, spooned & leveled

2 and 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed

1 cup granulated sugar

3 tsp baking soda

1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

2 tsp espresso powder

1 and 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream, at room temperature

1/4 cup milk

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Frosting:

1 and 3/4 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature

5 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp milk

2 tsp vanilla extract

Salt

1 cup + 2 tbsp freeze-dried raspberries, pulsed to a powder

2 tbsp raspberry preserves

6 ounces full-fat cream cheese

For Filling:

2/3 cup raspberry preserves

For the Chocolate Ganache Drip:

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

1-2 tsp vegetable oil

For Decorating:

Fresh raspberries

Mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with shortening and line with parchment paper. Dust with flour, removing any excess.

Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk the hot water and cocoa powder until dissolved. Let it cool. In another large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients, then incorporate the wet ingredients including the cocoa mixture. Whisk until well combined.

Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 23-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Raspberry Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Incorporate the freeze-dried raspberry powder and raspberry preserves. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth.

Assemble the Cake: Layer the cooled cakes with frosting and raspberry preserves, adding a crumb coat and then a final layer of frosting. Chill the cake before adding the chocolate drip.

Make the Chocolate Drip: Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Add vegetable oil to achieve desired consistency. Allow it to cool slightly before creating drips around the edge of the cake. Chill to set.

Serve + Store: Decorate the cake with frosting swirls, fresh raspberries, and mini chocolate chips. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Serving Tips:

Serve slices of Chocolate Raspberry Cake on elegant dessert plates to enhance its presentation.

Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

For a decorative touch, garnish each serving with a fresh raspberry and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.

Storage Tips:

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

To prevent the cake from drying out, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap before storing.

Chocolate Raspberry Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains moist and delicious.

For longer storage, the cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can be stored for up to 1-2 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chocolate Raspberry Cake remains fresh and delectable, whether you’re enjoying it immediately or saving some for later indulgence.

Related recipes:

• No Bake Raspberry Cheesecake
• No Bake Raspberry Cream Pie
• Easy Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

FAQs:

Can I use Dutch process cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder for the chocolate cake?

It’s not recommended to substitute Dutch process cocoa powder for natural cocoa powder in this recipe. Dutch process cocoa powder has been treated with an alkalizing agent, resulting in a different acidity level compared to natural cocoa powder. This can affect the leavening and overall texture of the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion?

Yes, you can prepare this Chocolate Raspberry Cake in advance for your event. Once assembled, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains fresh and delicious. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage, up to 1-2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

I don’t have three 9-inch cake pans. Can I use different pan sizes?

While the recipe is specifically written for three 9-inch cake pans, you can adapt it to different pan sizes if needed. You can use two 9-inch pans for thicker layers or divide the batter into smaller pans for individual cakes or cupcakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cakes as they bake to ensure they are done.

Can I omit the cream cheese from the raspberry frosting if I don’t have any on hand?

The cream cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the raspberry frosting, but if you don’t have any available or prefer to omit it, you can still make a delicious frosting without it. Simply increase the amount of butter slightly to compensate for the omitted cream cheese, and adjust the consistency with powdered sugar and milk as needed.

Conclusion:

With its rich chocolatey layers, vibrant raspberry filling, and luscious frosting, this Chocolate Raspberry Cake is a true masterpiece that’s bound to impress. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, indulge in decadence and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss!

---

📖 Recipe:

Print