Are you ready to elevate your dessert game? Look no further than this irresistible Chocolate Raspberry Cake recipe. With layers of moist chocolate cake, tangy raspberry filling, and a luscious raspberry frosting, this dessert is a celebration in itself. Plus, the decadent chocolate ganache drip adds a touch of elegance that will impress any guest. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 and 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 3 cups cake flour
- 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
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Frosting:
- 1 and 3/4 cups salted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of 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 and line them with parchment paper. Dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the hot water and cocoa powder until smooth. Let it cool. In another bowl, mix 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 the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, mixing until smooth. Incorporate the freeze-dried raspberry powder and raspberry preserves. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer the 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 it just begins to boil. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth, then add the vegetable oil. Create drips around the edge of the chilled cake and chill again 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.
Prep Time: 2 hours | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes | Calories: 1239 kcal | Servings: 12+ slices
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: When serving this delectable Chocolate Raspberry Cake, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. To impress your guests further, garnish each slice with a fresh raspberry and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect dessert experience.
- Storage: To maintain the freshness and quality of your Chocolate Raspberry Cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve its moistness and prevent it from drying out. Additionally, if you’ve decorated the cake with fresh raspberries or other perishable toppings, it’s best to consume it within 2-3 days. If stored properly, this cake can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cake served warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as this can cause it to dry out. Once reheated, serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of chocolate and raspberry all over again.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chocolate Raspberry Cake remains irresistibly delicious from the first slice to the last. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special treat for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this cake is sure to delight and impress with its rich flavors and decadent layers.
Variations:
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cake: For a twist on the classic recipe, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate in the ganache drip for white chocolate. This variation offers a sweeter and creamier flavor profile that complements the tartness of the raspberries beautifully.
- Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes: If you prefer individual servings, transform this cake recipe into indulgent chocolate raspberry cupcakes. Simply divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Top each cupcake with a swirl of raspberry frosting and a fresh raspberry for a delightful handheld treat.
- Nutella Raspberry Cake: Add a layer of Nutella between the cake layers for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. Spread a thin layer of Nutella on each cake layer before adding the raspberry frosting and preserves. The combination of Nutella, chocolate cake, and raspberries creates a heavenly flavor experience that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Chocolate Raspberry Trifle: Turn this cake into a stunning trifle by layering sliced cake with raspberry preserves, chocolate ganache, and whipped cream in a large glass bowl. Repeat the layers until the bowl is filled, then garnish the top with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings. This elegant dessert is perfect for serving at dinner parties or special occasions.
- Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Cake: For a vegan-friendly version of this recipe, substitute dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese in the cake batter and frosting. You can also use a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacement to bind the ingredients together. The result is a moist and flavorful chocolate raspberry cake that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to customize this Chocolate Raspberry Cake recipe to your liking. Whether you’re craving something rich and chocolaty or fruity and refreshing, there are endless possibilities to explore!
frequently asked questions (FAQs) :
- Can I use Dutch process cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder for the chocolate cake?
- No, it’s essential to use unsweetened natural cocoa powder as directed in the recipe to achieve the desired texture and flavor of the cake.
- Can I substitute frozen raspberries for freeze-dried raspberries in the frosting?
- While frozen raspberries can be used, it’s recommended to stick to freeze-dried raspberries for the frosting as they provide a more intense raspberry flavor without adding excess moisture.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time and freeze it?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake (without the chocolate drip) for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the chocolate drip and serving.
- How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pans?
- Ensure that you grease the cake pans thoroughly with shortening and line them with parchment paper before adding the batter. Additionally, dusting the pans with flour helps prevent sticking.
- Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry preserves for the filling?
- Yes, you can use fresh raspberries, but keep in mind that they may release more moisture, potentially affecting the cake’s texture. Consider mashing them slightly and mixing them with a bit of sugar to create a jam-like consistency.
Indulge in the richness of chocolate combined with the tartness of raspberries with this sensational cake recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this Chocolate Raspberry Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy!