Sweet Dreams Made Real: Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe

Rich chocolate dreams meet tangy raspberry magic in this decadent chocolate raspberry cake that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of moist cocoa-infused goodness blend seamlessly with bright, fresh berry notes.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will fall in love with this surprisingly simple dessert.

Intense chocolate flavors dance alongside vibrant raspberry accents, creating a stunning visual and taste experience.

Sweet and slightly tart elements balance perfectly in each delightful bite.

Smooth ganache and fresh berries add elegant finishing touches that make this cake feel truly special.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice of this irresistible chocolate raspberry masterpiece.

What Makes Chocolate Raspberry Cake So Dreamy

• Bake with Ease: Perfectly suited for home bakers of all skill levels, this chocolate raspberry cake requires basic baking techniques that anyone can master.
• Wow Factor Dessert: Impressive presentation with layers, chocolate drip, and fresh raspberry garnish makes this cake a showstopper for special celebrations or gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: Rich chocolate combined with tangy raspberry creates an incredible taste experience that balances sweet and tart notes beautifully.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry staples and straightforward steps, ensuring you can whip up a gourmet-looking dessert without complicated techniques.

What You Need for Chocolate Raspberry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for light cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Supports rising and browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates tender cake crumb.
• Milk: Adds richness and smooth consistency.
• Hot Water: Activates chocolate depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts chocolate flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates creamy frosting base.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy smoothness.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and thickness.
• Raspberry Powder, Raspberry Preserves: Intense raspberry flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Helps chocolate drip consistency.
• Dark Chocolate: Creates glossy drip effect.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures smooth chocolate drip.
• Fresh Raspberries, Mini Chocolate Chips: Beautiful final garnish.

How to Assemble a Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Generously coat three round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Batter Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Pour in wet ingredients including the cocoa mixture. Stir until smooth and velvety. Evenly distribute batter into prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Slide pans into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.

Step 4: Whip Up Raspberry Frosting Delight

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Raspberry powder
• Raspberry preserves

Fold in cream cheese and beat until luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Build Cake Layers

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting and raspberry preserves between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat, refrigerate for 15 minutes, then add final frosting layer.

Step 6: Create Chocolate Drip Elegance

Warm cream and pour over chocolate. Stir until glossy. Add a touch of oil for shine. Carefully drip around cake edges.

Step 7: Decorate With Flair

Pipe elegant frosting swirls. Scatter fresh raspberries and mini chocolate chips for a stunning final touch.

What Works Best for Raspberry Chocolate Cake

• Cocoa Power Boost: Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for deeper, richer chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake's taste profile.
• Raspberry Intensity: Crush freeze-dried raspberry powder between your fingers before adding to frosting for maximum flavor concentration and smoother texture.
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to create smoother, more blended frosting without lumps.
• Chill for Perfection: Always refrigerate cake between crumb coat and final frosting layer to stabilize layers and create cleaner, more professional-looking finish.
• Drip Control Technique: Drizzle chocolate ganache at slightly cooler temperature (around 90°F) for precise, controlled drips that look clean and intentional on cake edges.

Chocolate Raspberry Cake: Save And Reheat Tips

• Store covered cake in airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in refrigerator to maintain frosting texture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 weeks. Thaw individual slices at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices for 10-15 seconds in microwave. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore original moisture and flavor.

Best Matches for Chocolate Raspberry Cake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich chocolate flavor and cuts through the cake's sweetness.
• Serve alongside Raspberry Sorbet: Create a refreshing palate cleanser by adding a scoop of tangy raspberry sorbet that echoes the cake's fruity notes and provides a cool contrast.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, robust dark roast coffee to enhance the chocolate's deep flavors and provide a warm, aromatic accompaniment to each decadent slice.
• Garnish with Champagne: Pour a crisp, dry champagne that adds elegance and lightness, balancing the cake's intense chocolate and creamy raspberry frosting with its effervescent bubbles.

Rich Twists on Chocolate Raspberry Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Raspberry Cake: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate for drip and decoration.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Raspberry Treat: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in cake batter and frosting. Replace traditional preserves with low-sugar raspberry spread to reduce overall sugar content.
• Keto-Friendly Chocolate Raspberry Cake: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate for drip. Add extra healthy fats like coconut cream to maintain rich texture.

FAQs

• What makes the chocolate raspberry powder work in this frosting?

The raspberry powder intensifies the authentic fruit flavor and adds natural color without watering down the frosting’s consistency, creating a rich and vibrant raspberry taste.

• Can I substitute frozen raspberries for fresh ones?

Yes, but pat them completely dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture. Use fresh or frozen raspberries that are seedless or strained for the best results.

• How do I prevent my cake layers from being dry?

Ensure you don’t overbake by checking with a toothpick at 23 minutes. Remove the cakes immediately when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, which guarantees a tender, soft chocolate cake.

• Why is adding hot water to cocoa important?

Hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder, releasing deeper chocolate flavors and creating a smoother, more intense chocolate base for the cake, resulting in a richer overall taste.

Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate layers mingle with luscious raspberry filling in this heavenly chocolate raspberry cake. Delicate ganache and fresh berries crown this elegant dessert, promising a sensational journey of indulgent flavors you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cake flour
• 2 1/4 cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups salted butter
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 cups hot water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons raspberry preserves
• 2/3 cup raspberry preserves

Dry and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons freeze-dried raspberries, powdered
• Fresh raspberries
• Mini chocolate chips
• 12 teaspoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare three cake pans by coating with butter and dusting with flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Craft the chocolate base by whisking hot water into cocoa powder until velvety smooth, creating a rich dark mixture that intensifies the cake’s deep flavor profile.
3. Sift together dry ingredients, creating a light, airy foundation for the cake batter, then gently incorporate wet components including the prepared cocoa blend until just combined.
4. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans, using a spatula to smooth surfaces and eliminate potential air pockets.
5. Position pans in preheated oven, baking for approximately 25 minutes until a wooden pick emerges clean when inserted into cake centers.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks, ensuring total temperature reduction before frosting preparation.
7. Whip butter until creamy, gradually introducing powdered sugar and remaining frosting ingredients, blending raspberry powder and preserves for vibrant flavor intensity.
8. Fold cream cheese into frosting mixture, beating until silky and uniform in texture.
9. Construct cake layers by alternating between frosting and raspberry preserves, creating delectable flavor intervals.
10. Apply initial crumb coat, refrigerate briefly to stabilize, then cover with final smooth frosting layer.
11. Generate chocolate drizzle by gently heating cream and melting chocolate, incorporating a touch of oil for glossy finish.
12. Carefully cascade chocolate drip around cake edges, allowing gravity to create elegant patterns.
13. Embellish with delicate piped frosting swirls, scattered fresh raspberries, and miniature chocolate chips for visual and textural complexity.

Notes

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake.
• Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent batter mixing.
• Raspberry powder can be substituted with freeze-dried raspberry pieces for intense fruit flavor without added moisture.
• Chill cake layers before assembling to prevent crumbling and create cleaner, more precise frosting application.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg