Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake Recipe
This decadent Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake features rich chocolate cake layers complemented by a luscious raspberry filling and smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this layered dessert combines moist cake, tart raspberries, and creamy chocolate for an irresistible treat.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Raspberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- Fresh raspberries for decoration
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
- Prepare the cake pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Add boiling water: Stir in the boiling water carefully until the batter is completely smooth. The batter will be thin, which helps create a moist cake.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 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 to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the raspberry filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream over medium heat in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat, add chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy, then stir in vanilla extract. Let ganache cool slightly to thicken before using.
- Assemble the cake: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cooled raspberry filling evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining raspberry filling over it.
- Finish with ganache and decoration: Pour the slightly thickened chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. Use a spatula to smooth it out if needed. Decorate with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings on top.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 12 servings, perfect for a medium-sized gathering.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Ensure the raspberry filling is fully cooled before spreading to avoid melting the cake layers or ganache.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
- You can substitute fresh raspberries with frozen ones if fresh are unavailable, just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chocolate raspberry cake, layered cake, chocolate ganache, raspberry filling, celebration dessert, chocolate cake recipe