The Delightful Chocolate Raspberry Cake is a luxurious dessert that combines the deep, rich flavor of chocolate with the bright, tangy zest of raspberries. This moist cake is layered with a unique raspberry frosting and topped with a silky chocolate ganache drip, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or as an elegant treat.
Ingredients:
Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups cake flour
- 2 1/4 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Raspberry Frosting:
- 1 3/4 cups salted butter
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp freeze-dried raspberries, powdered
- 2 tbsp raspberry preserves
- 6 oz cream cheese
Filling:
- 2/3 cup raspberry preserves
Chocolate Ganache Drip:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1-2 tsp vegetable oil
Directions:
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350℉ (177℃). Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans.
- Cake Batter: Whisk hot water and cocoa. Combine dry ingredients; mix in wet ingredients and cocoa mixture.
- Bake: Divide batter among pans. Bake for 23-27 minutes. Cool in pans then on a rack.
- Frosting: Cream butter, add sugars, milk, vanilla, salt, raspberry powder, and preserves. Incorporate cream cheese.
- Assemble: Layer cakes with frosting and preserves. Apply crumb coat, chill, then final frosting layer.
- Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate. Stir in oil. Drip over chilled cake.
- Decorate: Add frosting swirls, fresh raspberries, and mini chocolate chips.
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
Yield: 12+ servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially dairy, are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- For the ganache, chop chocolate finely for even melting.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent slipping.
FAQs:
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of freeze-dried for the frosting? Using fresh raspberries can introduce too much moisture into the frosting. It’s best to stick with freeze-dried raspberries for the intended texture and flavor concentration.
How should I store this cake? Store the cake in a refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. It will keep for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Can I make any component ahead of time? Yes, the cake layers can be baked ahead of time and frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting.
Conclusion: The Delightful Chocolate Raspberry Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors. Each layer of this exquisite cake brings its own character, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or any festivity, this cake promises to dazzle and satisfy all who indulge.